After royal rebuke, Selangor exco claims ‘#KitaLawan!’ Sukma slogan a ‘joke’

(Malay Mail Online) – Selangor’s proposed “#KitaLawan!” slogan for next year’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) was “just a joke”, an executive councillor has said after the state ruler called for the motto to be changed.

Local daily The Star’s website reported Selangor executive councillor in charge of sports development Amirudin Shari as saying that a sports association official had jokingly suggested “#KitaLawan!” as the Sukma slogan.

The choice triggered controversy due to its similarity to the name of the #KitaLawan rallies in support of jailed Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“When I heard it, the first thing that came to mind was fighting spirit. It has no political connotation,” Amirudin was quoted saying yesterday.

“But since this has become an issue, it is proper for the state administration to review and reach a consensus on a new slogan,” he added.

In a speech last Friday, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah urged for a change to the motto to prevent the coming sporting event from being “tainted” by politics.

Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali later reportedly said that Amirudin has been told to consider the ruler’s request to change the “#KitaLawan!” slogan.