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 provided an explanation for the new flag in a speech that highlighted its role as representing the "shared direction" of the three Federal Territories. The flag of the Federal Territories was intended for collective representation only; individually, each territory maintained their own flag.