Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro (By BAVANI M, 17/9/2010)
WORD is out that the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry is going to replace the anthem of the three Federal Territories — Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan before the next Federal Territories Day celebration on Feb 1. A source told StarMetro that the Cabinet had given the go ahead to change the FT song - Maju dan Sejahtera (Progressive and Peaceful) after it was gazetted and launched by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail at Dataran Merdeka on Aug 20, 2006. Since then, government agencies and schools in the Federal Territories have been honouring the song at official events. It is also sung at school assemblies on Monday morning. The anthem together with the flag was created to infuse a new spirit and provide a sense of identity for the Federal Territories. It is also meant to provide KL-ites with a sense of belonging and a feeling of pride for their home.
Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abdin confirmed the Cabinet’s decision to change the song. In a text message to StarMetro, Raja Nong Chik said the FT song would be changed by the next Federal Territories Day as decided by the Cabinet. “The lyrics will be in line with the 1Malaysia concept and more upbeat as the present anthem is too slow,” he said.
Labuan MP Datuk Yussof Mahal also agreed that the current song was too slow. “It does not raise the spirit of the Federal Territories. We need something more up-beat that is suitable for the current generation,’’ he said.
The move, however, has drawn flak from Opposition leaders who are questioning the rationale and reasoning for changing the song.
“The FT anthem is a respected emblem of the city and should reflect the values of a city. If its lyrics no longer reflect that values then by all means make the changes otherwise why change it,’’ said Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng. Lim added that the FT song was not a fashion statement that could be changed as and when the need arose.
Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar expressed shock when she heard about the song change.
“What ever for? The song holds a special meaning for the people of KL. It inculcates a sense of belonging with the residents and gives them something to be proud of,’’ she said. “This is also disrespectful to the previous Agong and it speaks volumes on how Kuala Lumpur and its residents are being treated,’’ Nurul Izzah added. Batu MP Tian Chua said: “One should not play around with something as respected as the anthem or the flag. “I find this news appalling,’’ Chua said. Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw said any changes to the FT song must get feedback from the people of the Federal Territories. “Have they sought their views on this? Tan asked. “If the lyrics are not meaningful or the music not nice, then get the people to provide feedback on it. Why the hurry to change,’’ Tan asked.
Teacher Sulaiman Yaaob said the song Maju dan Sejahtera held a deep meaning for him as it had been sung in his school in Keramat for the past four years. “It provided us with a deep sense of belonging and I do not think it is a good idea to change it now after four years,’’ he said. Student Tan Hui Ling of SMK Sri Sinar in Segambut said they had already learnt the song by heart and it would be a hassle to learn a new one. “Maybe the authorities can change the beat or tempo like what they did with the Negaraku,’’ she said.
The FT anthem was composed by Datuk Wah Idris, the man behind the current version of the Negaraku and Commonwealth Games 1998 theme song Standing in the Eyes of the World. The song’s lyrics written by Sheikh Faisal Mansor projects the hope and aspiration of the people. It was first used by the Federal Territories contingent at Sukma XI in Kedah in 2006. When contacted, Wah Idris said the FT anthem was a respected element that should not be changed every two to three years. “Everyone is entitled to their views but one should not make changes especially when it concerns national anthems. “If they feel that the song is too slow then they should come back to me and changes can be made. “Careful thought was given to the FT anthem and the melody and the tune should be maintained,’’ Wah Idris said.
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