Protest on Malaysia Day: PN patriots or traitors?

Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963 with the inclusion of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Hence the date holds a historical and geopolitical significance to this nation and the ASEAN region.

Given the importance of Sept 16, one should wonder why on Earth does the opposition bloc, Perikatan Nasional (PN) want to continue their protest on Sept 16, 2023.

Even worse is that the PN Youth wing formed a movement called “Gerakan Selamatkan Malaysia”. It means Save Malaysia Movement and this movement would host the rally.

“We want to rally all youths who love this country. Those who want to join are urged to come in white shirts and bring along our country’s flag,” said PN Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari who is also Pasir Mas MP at a press conference on Sept 11.

Malaysia Day is a day for all Malaysians beyond race, religion and political divides.

Having a protest rally on such a significant day is definitely against the spirit of togetherness which that is normally the case every year, especially since Aug 31st.

Why smear the significant day with such a narrow reason? PN is apparently protesting against the discharge not amounting to acquittal judgment given to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Clearly, they are sabotaging a day of unity for the sake of their own personal political propaganda.

Taking a cue from I.N.D.I.A

From one perspective, having a protest rally is an abuse of freedom of expression. And freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.

From a management perspective, it goes to indicate that the opposition coalition is not fit to administer this nation called Malaysia.

If they were fit to do so, they would not push for such a divisive activity on a significant day to Malaysia.

One wonders whether they have taken an example from their counterparts, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. The initials reads I.N.D.I.A.

However since the Malaysian opposition has been named Perikatan Nasional, it is too late to rechristen themselves as MALAYSIA.

One can also question whether PN is a bloc of patriots or traitors for calling for a protest rally on Malaysia Day.

PN’s Sabah and Sarawak MPs should be taken to task for not even batting an eyelid over this protest.

It must be noted here that the Sept 16 celebration are more significant in both Sabah and Sarawak compared to Peninsula Malaysia.