Assembly to showcase Chinese patriotism at PWTC

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 10,000 people will be taking part in the “Chinese Community Patriotic Assembly” at the Putra World Trade Centre on Malaysia Day.

The assembly, said MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, would help demonstrate the Chinese community’s love for the country, as well as showcase its patriotism.

“There are different examples of patriotism, such as the soldiers and policemen on the frontlines or workers who contribute to the economy,” he said.

Among those present were deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, vice-presidents Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, and Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

Patriotism does not merely mean putting up the country’s flag, said Liow.

“Patriotism is also a responsibility and it needs commitment and contributions from everyone to build the nation,” he said.

The assembly caps a series of patriotic and nation-building events organised by the MCA since the first half of this year in the run-up to the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

These included the month-long Blossom Arts Festival which ran from Aug 1 and the ongoing effort to decorate a mural along Jalan Genting-Klang with 60,000 palm prints.

“MCA Youth also organised the Amazing Rail and Walk-a-hunt event in Petaling Street, featuring national athletes Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Goh Liu Ying,” said Liow.

Dr Wee said leaders from the community had been invited to the assembly.

“Besides the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and other major clan and trade groups, we have invited representatives from state and district, and even village heads,” he said.

The Prime Minister will be giving out a series of “Outstanding Malaysian Chinese Awards” to members of the community who have distinguished themselves in their fields, said Dr Wee.

More details on the assembly, as well as the list of people who will be receiving the awards, will be released over the next few days, Dr Wee added.