Rais Yatim Should Stick to Politics

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This year's National Day song is apparently written by Rais Yatim. He wrote the lyrics of 'Janji Ditepati'.

Critics say "It does not reflect nationhood and the meaning of independence, but is a song to showcase a ruling government"

Bob Lokman, who wrote the lyrics for the hit 80s rock ballad Isabella, said that the National Day theme song "sounded cheap".

"There is no depth in the words, no poetry nor is there any sense of patriotism. Patriotic songs are supposed to move the people, not teach them how to brown-nose," said the PAS member.

"The song is telling people they have no choice but to support the ruling government. It is a political campaign and not a National Day song."

Bob added that the melody of the song, too, did little to boost the song and the rap interlude was unsuitable to invoke feelings of nationhood.

Perhaps it would have been wiser and less controversial for Rais Yatim to leave song writing to a real professional.

Politicians should respect the National Day celebration and not attempt to manipulate it for their own political agenda.