Book on national symbols to reignite pride and patriotism

PUTRAJAYA: National symbols are important as they represent a country and evoke a sense of pride and patriotism among its people.

As such, national symbols must be treated with the utmost respect.

Seeing the need to give better understanding and knowledge on the national symbols; namely, the Coat of Arms, the Jalur Gemilang, and the Royal Regalia, the Communications and Multimedia Ministry recently launched the ‘Respecting National Symbols’ book as the main reference and source of information of these symbols.

Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the 60-page book, an initiative by the ministry through the Information Department (JaPEN), serves to explain in the simplest way about the guidelines and ethics of using each national symbol.

“The book has been carefully arranged, with the description of each symbol to explain values that reflect the people, hopes and aspirations of the country,” he said during the launch of the book on Tuesday.

The book is divided into four chapters, with the first one on the Coat of Arms, followed by the Jalur Gemilang, the Royal Regalia and the correct way for official portraits.

The Jalur Gemilang chapter explains the correct sizing and types of the flag for normal, home and office use, for cars and official events.

He said the book was also a result of the Cabinet decision on July 1, last year, following several incidents involving the wrongful use of national symbols by irresponsible quarters that had gone viral on social media.

There were cases too, especially gearing up towards the National Day, where the Jalur Gemilang flag had been hoisted upside down unintentionally. “Hence, this book will give the people a better understanding of the correct way to hoist the flag and the correct size, among others.

“Hopefully, in this upcoming National Day or in any official event, we can prevent such unintentional incidents.

“Although it seems like a small matter, I believe that this is important as these national symbols symbolise our country and identity.

“We want the people to use these symbols the right way, especially among the young.”

Saifuddin added a total of 100,000 copies of the book would be printed for distribution at federal and state governments, public libraries, higher learning institutions, and during events organised by JaPEN.

The public can also access the book at http:// dbook.penerangan.gov.my/dbook/ or scan this QR code.