Respect Merdeka Day, urges Rais

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 1, 2012): Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim has urged detractors of the government's chosen theme and song for Merdeka Day to respect the day, even if they continue their criticisms.

"The Opposition can criticise and make fun of this year's theme, including the logo and the theme song," he said.

"I take in their criticisms, but I must ask them to not deviate from respecting our Independence Day," he said at a press conference at the ministry's office yesterday.

He said the Opposition is welcome to rename the theme to "Sebangsa, Senegara, Sejiwa" (One nationality, one country, one soul), as they had suggested earlier yesterday, when they become the government of the day.

"The government has already decided to continue using the theme 'Janji Ditepati' (Promises Fulfilled) for the 55th Merdeka celebrations despite the criticisms, because since 1957 we have fulfilled almost 95% of what we have committed to achieve for the people.

"In the end, the government of the day decides the theme. We will let them (Opposition) decide if they become the government of the day," he said.

He was commenting on virulent comments against the theme, which many felt was partisan towards Barisan Nasional ahead of the 13th general election, and the song which Rais penned.

Rais also announced that the logo for this year's Independence Day will revert back to the 1Malaysia logo after harsh criticisms from the public, and the slogan "Janji Ditepati" will be inserted at the bottom.

"We have been using the 1Malaysia logo since 2009, so it will be the main logo.

"Besides that, we will also screen eight pieces of art submitted by graphic design associations and university students to various media channels, from this week until Sept 16," he said.

On another matter, Rais said the broadband penetration rate in Malaysia has achieved 64%, and is on route to steering Malaysia into a digital age soon.

"Malaysia is one of the most advanced countries in terms of digital initiatives and broadband usage, with 37 million mobile phones and 13.5 million Facebook and Twitter users," he said.

He added that the Communications Content and Infrastructure (CCI) sector will create 350 new wireless kampungs by building more telecommunication towers to facilitate more people in rural areas to access the internet.