{
  "id": 3678070,
  "title": "Don’t let Rohingya issue overshadow Merdeka celebrations, Defence Minister tells Malaysians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/dont-let-rohingya-issue-overshadow-merdeka-celebrations-defence-3678070",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T05:07:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/27/dont-let-rohingya-issue-overshadow-merdeka-celebrations-defence-minister-tells-malaysians/232854"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysians are urged not to boycott National Day celebrations due to their sentiments towards the Rohingya people, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He emphasized that instead of using the occasion to express love for the country and reaffirm their commitment to not allowing Malaysia to become a political platform for foreign elements, people should avoid turning Malaysia into a battleground for such issues. Nordin stated, \"As the owners, we should not stop protecting and preserving our homes just because we disagree on the presence of people who came here uninvited.\" His comments came as several social media users called on Malaysians either not to take part in the National Day celebrations or to bring banners supporting the Rohingya cause to the parade in Putrajaya. Additionally, two of the Malaysian Armed Forces' latest land assets, Tedung and Kala Jengking, made their debut at the celebrations. The Tedung vehicle, based on Brazil's Agrale Marruá AM250 Double Cab, is equipped with automatic grenade launchers and heavy machine guns, with 80 units fitted with AGL and 83 with HMG purchased for RM92.91 million. Kala Jengking, a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle with a dual-phase 980 steel cage, has been acquired by the MAF for RM72 million.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Malaysians should not boycott National Day celebrations because of their sentiments towards...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Don’t let Rohingya issue overshadow Merdeka celebrations, Defence Minister tells Malaysians",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/dont-let-rohingya-issue-overshadow-merdeka-celebrations-defence",
        "published": "2026-08-27T05:07:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Haze: Penang may shelve Merdeka Day celebrations, says CM",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/haze-penang-may-shelve-merdeka-day-celebrations-says-cm",
        "published": "2026-08-27T08:36:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}