We Love Malaysia

The Jalur Gemilang is held in high esteem and schoolchildren across the country raise the flag in a show of loyalty to the nation.

A DETERMINED Year One girl with large, entreating eyes that pleaded to be given a flag and a T-shirt template, despite teachers repeatedly asking her to leave the hall as the activity was meant for older pupils.

Sunny personalities who talked endlessly about Malaysia and her charms and the quiet, artistic souls with dreamy gazes as they decorated their T-shirt templates with Malaysian motifs.

Fidgety boys who used their Jalur Gemilang as duelling swords, earned pointed glares from their teachers, and miraculously turned into model flag bearers.

Walls and pillars decorated with the red and blue stripes of our flag.

These were some of the scenes etched into the minds of the Raise The Flag team as they visited schools all over the country.

While most schools held events which saw the children waving the Jalur Gemilang and singing patriotic songs to celebrate the approaching National Day, some schools put a different spin to their events, as shown by this photo compilation.

Conceived to strengthen national pride among Malaysians, Star Media Group’s Raise The Flag initiative has been a hit. The clever cutout-and-roll-up design of the flag, coupled with the T-shirt template that invites creativity captured the imaginations of adults and children alike, as can be seen by the thousands of photographs hashtagged #RaiseTheFlagMY on social media.

The campaign ends on Malaysia Day. So far, five special issues that included the flag and T-shirt templates have flooded schools, offices and homes since the campaign was launched in late July.

The main sponsor is Aset Kayamas, with MRCB as co-sponsor. Campaign partners include Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd and Sunsuria Bhd.

Be photographed “wearing” the decorated T-shirt template while holding the Raise The Flag Jalur Gemilang. Best poses should be hashtagged #RaiseTheFlagMY on social media. On Facebook, you can share it as: raise the flag. Exciting prizes include staycations and dining vouchers.

The last issue will appear on Sept 14, in good time to celebrate Malaysia Day. For bulk orders, contact The Star’s Customer Care unit at 1-300-887827 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). – Compiled by

HANIS ZAINAL

We heart Malaysia: There is no doubt how students and teachers of SK Puchong Utama 2 feel about their country.

Young patriots: Students of 5 Amal, SMK Taman Daya, Johor Baru, having a fun photoshoot with their flags and decorated T-shirt templates.

Unflagging patriotism: High-spirited Ivan Tan with his classmates from Class 6M, SJKC Heng Ee, Penang. The school held a vibrant National Day celebration that included a parade and fun activities.

Stepping forward: Students from 2 Adil, SMK Bandar Baru Bangi gather in a show of love to celebrate Malaysia. They sang patriotic songs even as they showed off their T-shirt templates.