Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak justified the new flag in a speech proclaiming the "common direction" of the three Federal Territories. The flag of the Federal Territories was to be used only when representing them collectively; otherwise, their individual flags remained in force.
Najib Razak justified the new flag by emphasizing the "common path" of the three Federal Territories. The flag of the Federal Territories was to be used solely for their collective representation; otherwise, individual flags continued in use.