Minister in the Prime Minister'sDepartment Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said today Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government leaders should compete with the Barisan Nasional (BN) in promoting the spirit and substance of 1Malaysia rather than prohibit the use of the concept logo.
He said banning the symbol of 1Malaysia in advertisements and signboards throughout the state was negative and destructive, contrary to the spirit of democracy and freedom.
"If they reject or fear the 1Malaysia symbol for whatever reason, they can promote another slogan and symbol of their own choice and design to compete. They should not ban any symbol so long as such a symbol does not violate decency or sensitivity.
"It is indeed ironical and hypocritical that PR leaders who have been posturing as 'champions' of democracy and freedom resorted to such high-handed tactics once they are in positions of power. One shudders to think of what will happen if they ever get into Putrajaya," he said in a statement.
On Dec 22, Selangor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the 1Malaysia logo carried a political message and that a local council by-law prohibited political advertisements on billboards, and the Selangor government has since banned it.
Dr Koh said he could not see any rational reason why PR should go all-out against a symbol that has become increasingly effective in rallying Malaysians to be more inclusive and integrated, more understanding and united.
