PETALING JAYA, Sept 4- The involvement of Datuk A. Samad Said in the incident of waving a flag other than the Jalur Gemilang on the eve of Merdeka Day last Friday can affect the public perception on individuals who were conferred with the title of National Laureate.
Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the public would perceive that some of the laureates were ‘sick’ to the extent of being attention seekers.
“Undeniably, it will affect the title and it is possible that people will no longer look highly upon a National Laureate,” he told reporters after launching the ‘Saya Sayang Malaysia’ or #MYSyg campaign here Tuesday night.
When asked whether the title conferred to A.Samad could be revoked, the minister said it was up to the authority that conferred him the title.
A. Samad, or his real name Abdul Samad Bin Muhammad Said was conferred the National Laureate in 1985 for his contributions to Malay literature.
In the incident at Dataran Merdeka, A.Samad was reported to have recited a poem near a read-and-white flag with a 12 yellow stars, which was later seized.
The #MYSyg campaign is launched in conjunction with the 56th Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day to nurture patriotic spirit among the people, besides encouraging them to show their love to the country through social media.
– BERNAMA
