Fly the Jalur Gemilang high and show new spirit of patriotism

PUTRAJAYA: As a show of love, supportandanewwaveofpatriotism for the country, Malaysians have been urged to fly the Malaysian flag – Jalur Gemilang – at their homes and business premises on National Day.

Information Director- General Datuk Ibrahim Abdul Rahman said the spirit of patriotism should be promoted in line with ‘awakening’ of the people through the new Malaysia led by the Pakatan Harapan government.

“We hope the people will show their patriotic spirit by buying the flags and flying them throughout the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations,” he said, after chairing a meeting with media practitioners.

The meeting was to gather additional ideas in conjunction with this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

Ibrahim also hoped that business outlets especially supermarkets, would allocate an area within their premises where the Jalaur Gemilang and other National Day paraphernalia could be sold.

“In keeping up with the National Day fervour, business premises have been requested to play patriotic songs and display the Jalur Gemilang on their premises throughout the Independence month,” he said.

Ibrahim said the meeting also received positive feedback from all media practitioners in helping promote both the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations through their respective platforms.

He added that while National Day fell on Friday, the night before was considered sacrosanct for Muslims which is why there would not be any celebration on Thursday evening, adding, however, that the celebrations would be held on Friday evening.

This year’s theme is ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku ( Love Our Malaysia)’. Putrajaya, the nation’s administrative capital has been chosen as the official venue of the National Day celebrations on Aug 31, which is also to celebrate the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Malaysia Day is celebrated on Sept 16. It celebrated in commemoration of the formation of Malaysia on that date in 1963 when Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak joined together to form the federation.

However, Singapore separated from the federation in 1965 to go on its own. — Bernama