Raise it with pride
A stylised graphic of three Malaysians raising their arms, with the symbol of the heart on their shoulders, is the official logo for the 2018 Merdeka Day celebration. This year's celebration will be held in Putrajaya.
ASTYLISED graphic of three Malaysians raising their arms with pride with the symbol of the heart on their shoulder has been chosen as the official logo for the 2018 Merdeka Day celebration, themed Sayangi Malaysiaku (Love My Malaysia).
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the logo denoted the harmony and unity enjoyed by Malaysia’s multiracial and multicultural society, as well as the rakyat’s love for the nation.
Created by Nik Zulkifli Nik Hitam, the logo was chosen by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday, he said.
“We opened the logo competition to Malaysians and received 632 submissions. The prime minister took the time to choose the official logo and song for the Merdeka Day celebration this year,” he said at the logo’s unveiling.
Gobind said Sam Bunkface’s song was picked as the official anthem because of its pop genre and catchiness.
“This year’s song is a bit different due to its catchy tune. It also reflects the change of government and Pakatan Harapan’s vibrancy. The song will be the government’s official song and will be aired nationwide.”
Dr Mahathir, Gobind said, had picked the nation’s administrative capital as this year’s venue for the Merdeka celebration.
This was to symbolise the administration of the new government under Pakatan Harapan, he said.
Malaysia would celebrate its 61st year of independence, which Gobind described as a historical moment for the government.
“This year’s theme was chosen to celebrate the people’s love towards this country. All citizens should display their love towards Malaysia by flying the Jalur Gemilang, starting from today (yesterday).”
He said the launch of the “2018 National Month” and “Fly the Jalur Gemilang” campaigns would be held at Padang Kota Lama in Penang from Aug 3 to 5.