The Selangor government’s decision to ban billboard advertisements with the 1Malaysia logo has drawn flak from Barisan Nasional leaders, who described the move as “petty” and smacks of double standards.
MCA vice-president Datuk Chor Chee Heung lambasted the state government as being “petty” and “overly sensitive”.
“1Malaysia is about bringing Malaysians together by forging unity and it is a noble effort,” he said.
“While the Prime Minister is trying to unite (with the 1Malaysia concept), Pakatan is trying to divide,” said Selangor MCA deputy chairman Datuk Teh Kim Poo.
Central committee member Ti Lian Ker said the state government had abused its authority by imposing the ban.
“I fail to understand why the state executive council of the Pakatan government wants to go against the spirit of inclusivity and prioritising ‘People First, Performance Now’, which is the call of the 1Malaysia concept,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Ti said the Selangor government ought to distinguish between party lines and a government programme.
Selangor MCA Public Complaints Bureau chief Datuk Theng Book said the 1Malaysia logo was not political as the image only incorporated the Malaysian flag.
He said the opposition parties were not prevented from displaying their political banners when Barisan ruled Selangor previously.
Theng also pointed out that the Rocket United cafe in SS2 here carried the DAP’s rocket symbol on its signboard.
“Any banner with the 1Malaysia logo is not allowed but this restaurant carries the DAP logo. What are they trying to prove?” he asked.
MIC president Datuk G. Palanivel said there was nothing political about the 1Malaysia logo.
“Companies that advertise or use the 1Malaysia logo show that they subscribe to the values of the concept and wish to participate in promoting it,” he said in a statement.
Palanivel also likened the 1Malaysia logo to advertising elements similar to the halal logo, Sirim logo, National Sports Council logo, among others.
Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the ban could be a reflection of Pakatan realising that more people were supporting the idea.
“To me, the 1Malaysia concept is about nurturing unity among Malaysians. It should not be seen from the narrow angle of politics,” he said.
