New Straits Times

PATRIOTISM

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identify themselves first as Malaysians, for such identifica­tion fosters patriotism and develops unity.

Malaysians must remain vigilant and be conscious of the sensitivit­ies of other religions and cultures for the sake of interracia­l harmony.

The most urgent task of Malaysians is to ensure racial and religious harmony, and reject extremism.

To prevent Malaysians from drifting apart, they must be ethnic bridge builders, not ethnic heroes.

It is our duty to work for peace and harmony and refrain from acts of provocatio­n and violence.

Multiracia­l living and communitie­s have become a source of racial integratio­n for years, and have played a part in making Malaysia a harmonious place to live, learn, work and play.

We have a role to play by giving greater emphasis to the idea of Malaysian oneness and togetherne­ss, based on values and virtues taught by all religions and races, instead of exploiting ethnic sentiments.

Malaysian should be committed to promoting peace, harmony and unity.

The “Ekspresi Negaraku” campaign should be supported by Malaysians since its goal is to inculcate patriotism in us.

It is a platform to promote the noble goal in conjunctio­n with National Day, which carries the theme “Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa”, or “My country, one heart, one soul”.

Malaysians express their love for the nation in many ways.

Those who join the military and police, for example, are willing to sacrifice their lives for the country. We have sportsmen and women who made our country proud when they won medals in internatio­nal competitio­ns.

Malaysians have shown their love for the country by paying taxes, which help others and develop the country.

Subscribin­g to the sovereignt­y of the law also shows our love for the country, as it is one of the five principles of Rukun Negara.

We can champion environmen­tal causes or help the authoritie­s tackle vandalism, littering, drug abuse and crime.

People can organise and participat­e in gotong-royong or Rukun Tetangga.

Malaysians can show their love for the nation by resisting attempts to polarise and divide people. There are many other ways to show our love for our country if we practise the Rukun Negara principles.

 ?? FILE PIC ?? (From left) Paralympia­ns Siti Noor Radiah Ismail, Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, Abdul Latif Romly and Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi with their Paralympic­s medals. Sportsmen and women make the country proud when they win medals in internatio­nal competitio­ns.
FILE PIC (From left) Paralympia­ns Siti Noor Radiah Ismail, Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, Abdul Latif Romly and Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi with their Paralympic­s medals. Sportsmen and women make the country proud when they win medals in internatio­nal competitio­ns.

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