KEPALA BATAS, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has described as apt, the government's decision to use the theme, `55 Years of Independence and Promises Fulfilled' for this year's Independence Day celebration.

The former prime minister said no major problem had cropped up over what the government had decided, judging from what was currently observed.

"After a period of administration, numerous promises were made and many have been implemented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak...and there is nothing to dispute in the theme.

"We accept the theme which has been picked," he said.

Abdullah, who is also Kepala Batas member of parliament, was speaking to reporters after a ceremony to hand over Aidilfitri contributions at the Dewan Seri Endon, Pusat Budi Penyayang here today.

A total of 350 recipients comprising the poor, handicapped and senior citizens from the Kepala Batas parliamentary constituency were given hampers and cash.

Also present were Penyayang chief executive officer Datuk Leela Mohd Ali and The Store chairman Datuk Seri Md Kamal Bilal.

Yesterday, newspapers reported that the information communication and culture ministry would not budge from the theme picked for this year's Independence Day celebration.

The minister, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, had said the ministry was responsible in interpreting the nation's success over the past 55 years.

He said, `55 Years of Independence and Promises Fulfilled', was the decision of the Cabinet, adding that the opposition and its associates were hard-pressed with the theme because they had no record of successes.