Malaysians express love for country

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians from all walks of life converged at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday, clad in their most creative outfits to express their love for the nation.

The crowd mostly wore clothes inspired by the colours of Jalur Gemilang.

Some were seen wearing traditional attire like baju kebaya, cheongsam, sari and sinuangga (Kadazandusun traditional costume), showing the country’s multiculturalism to the world.

Visitors were also entertained by games, such as street soccer and netball matches.

The Ekspresi Negaraku event also became an instant food hub where it played host to more than 20 food trucks.

Shah Alam Polytechnic College student Siti Balqhis Bakri, 22, said she participated in the Negaraku Flag Run as it gave her the opportunity to exercise with her friends.

Another student, Shalini Nair, 16, said Ekspresi Negaraku proved that patriotism could be displayed through the arts.

“We all have our own ways to tell Malaysia that we love her.

“There is never just one way of showing it (love) and I think the event taught Malaysians, especially youth, to embrace creativity.”

Visitors were treated to a live demonstration of graffiti painting, where 18 participants took part in the competition organised by 1Malaysia For Youth.

Muhamad Rery Martinaz Muhamad Ali painted a portrait of Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, and astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

“The inspiration to draw Sheikh Muszaphar and Tunku Abdul Rahman was to show how the country has progressed since independence.

“We even have our own astronaut,” he said.

The former junior footballer said he once represented the country and felt proud to wear the Jalur Gemilang on his shirt.

“My eyes will well up when I sing Negaraku.

“That’s what patriotism feels like.

“If you have not felt that before, learn to appreciate the Rukunegara and understand the true importance of the Negaraku,” said the 33-year-old.

Visual artist Mohd Zaki Nordin, 31, drew a picture of a young girl whose face was painted with the national flag, and a bird in the colours of the Jalur Gemilang.

“My message is simple. The girl represents the future generation and the bird represents freedom,” he said.