KUALA LUMPUR: Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim have directed photographers covering the National Day parade and other government-organised Merdeka events not to snap pictures when the Negaraku is being played.
Dr Rais, who is chairman of the main committee of the 50th National Day anniversary celebrations, said the new “ruling” would be enforced at the National Day parade here tomorrow and at the Merdeka giant and Merdeka Eve celebrations.
He said he was thinking of proposing to the Cabinet to make it compulsory for photographers to stand at attention when the national anthem is being played at any function.
“Negaraku only lasts for two-and-a-half minutes, and photographers ignore the fact that the national anthem is being played, and continue to click away.
“Don’t use work as an excuse,” he told reporters after witnessing a full dress rehearsal of the National Day parade at Dataran Merdeka yesterday.
The sight of photographers clicking away when the Negaraku was played several times during the two-hour rehearsal probably irked Dr Rais.
Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin, when contacted, however disagreed with the move.
He counter-proposed that a special area be allocated for photographers to take pictures at events where the national anthem would be played.
Zainuddin pointed out that it was necessary for photographers to capture the right moments and to take the best shots.
“Sometimes there is a need to capture the expressions of the leaders,” he explained.
Beating around the Bush
Politicians when the time comes can make ruling that make them look like an idiot. The story speaks for itself
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