Fashionistas show love for country
Industry stalwarts display spirit of patriotism
PETALING JAYA: A group of bosom buddies who radiate the meaning of being true Malaysians in their daily lives have pledged to Raise the Flag in the run-up to National Day to bring back the spirit of patriotism.
All the nine fun-loving and fashion-forward entrepreneurs have always held Malaysia close to their hearts and believe there is a need to remind people to be proud of their country.
Members of the multiracial group, made up of individuals from various backgrounds – fashion, law, beauty, production, tourism and IT – have decided to hoist a flag each this month in support of Star Media Group’s Raise the Flag initiative.
They include Blublack Productions executive director Sha’arin Razali, Fabulash Group PLT director Hi Yin Pink, Elang Wah group chief executive officer Azhar Nadzir, designers Bon Zainal Harun, Datin Sharifah Shawati Syed Mohd, Rasta Rashid and her husband Quest Software Technology Systems Sdn Bhd country sales director Kevin Poi, lawyer Datuk David Gurupatham and Bon Fashion Legacy Sdn Bhd general manager Abdul Rahman Mohamed.
All of them agreed that most are not doing enough to raise the spirit of patriotism compared to efforts 10 to 15 years ago.
Azhar said there was a need to remind teenagers about how Malaysia’s founding fathers helped gain independence and establish the country.
“This has to be ingrained in their minds and we need people to lead this movement.
“So having companies like Star Media Group organising events like this will help a lot,” he added.
David agreed, saying pride for the nation has to be instilled in the young today so that they will have a change in mindset.
Picking football as an example, he said most people would opt to wear an international club’s jersey when they play here while the older generation would opt for Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya jersey.
“Wearing our flag proudly will help change the mindset. I remember rooting for Malaysia back in the day, wearing the jersey to Stadium Merdeka to watch the matches.
“I think that is what is missing today – pride for our country, and raising the flag will definitely help with that,” he added.
Sha’arin, meanwhile, said any campaign that fans patriotism is good.
“Campaigns that bring patriotism and love for our country are good. The flag is an important symbol of a country,” he added.
Under the Raise the Flag campaign, special four-page spreads will enable Malaysians to cut out and assemble their own mini flags.
There will also be T-shirt templates included in the newspaper’s centrespread.
Decorate them with a Malaysian motif and be photographed “wearing” the T-shirt while holding the flags.
Best poses should be hashtagged #RaiseTheFlagMY on social media.
On Facebook, you can also share it as: raisetheflagmy. Include a short love note to Malaysia. Prizes await the best entries.
To bulk order any of the special Raise The Flag issues slated for July 28, Aug 12, Aug 18 and Sept 14, contact The Star’s Customer Care unit at 1-300-88-7827 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).