The ministry issued the statement in response to a photo of an email purportedly sent out by a ministry official prohibiting the use of the term “Merdeka” in relation to the National Day celebrations.

The email, allegedly sent out by an official from the ministry’s Merdeka Secretariat, has been making the rounds on social media.

According to the email, National Day advertisements shouldn’t bear the term “Merdeka” or “61st Merdeka” to protect the sensitivities and relationship between states in Malaysia.

But the ministry clarified today that there were no restrictions on the use of the term “Merdeka”.

“The people can use ‘Hari Kemerdekaan’, ‘Hari Kebangsaan’ and ‘Hari Malaysia’ for programmes and events related to national day and Malaysia Day to spur a spirit of patriotism,” it said.

In the past, some parties had argued that the use of the term “Merdeka” on Aug 31 was inaccurate as Sabah and Sarawak did not achieve independence at the same time.

They felt that the term “Hari Kebangsaan” (National Day) was more appropriate than “Hari Merdeka” (Independence Day).