GOVT DOES NOT AGREE SEPT 16 BE MADE PUBLIC HOLIDAY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- The federal government is not agreeable to the suggestion by People's Justice Party advisor Anwar Ibrahim that Sept 16 be made a public holiday in the five states under opposition coalition government, People's Alliance.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said there should only be one NationalDay for the country.

"We have chosen the date as our independence day. Having another date will give rise to all kinds of interpretation, polemic and this is not healthy to national integration.

"This is our stand; we give importance to unity and national integration," he told reporters after launching the Chery multi-purpose vehicle here Tuesday.

Malaysia celebrates its National Day on Aug 31 every year.

Anwar had suggested that northern states of Kedah, Penang and Perak,
Selangor and northeastern state of Kelantan -- all of which are under Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) -- declare Sept 16 each year as a public holiday to commemorate the formation of Malaysia.

Penang and Kelantan had accepted the proposal while the three other states were still considering it.
-- BERNAMA