All for unity and patriotism
“I WISH to see a developed Malaysia.”
“I hope we will always stay united!” “I hope our syllabus will be easier to understand.”
These were some of the things SMK Alam Megah, Shah Alam students said when asked what they wish for in conjunction with the nation’s Malaysia Day.
It was nothing short of enthusiasm and a day filled with high spirited 13-year-old students as they waved the Jalur Gemilang proudly in the school’s assembly area, last week.
The students had put together the flags from cutout templates printed in The Star newspaper.
Proton Holdings Bhd had sponsored RM10,000 to 40 schools nationwide, under Star Media Group’s Raise the Flag initiative to encourage patriotism and love for the country.
Proton Edar Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Abdul Rashid Musa said that as a symbol of the country’s national car, the company promotes unity.
“Today’s generation of youngsters are born long after the country gained independence, therefore, they may not be able to share the same sentiment as would their elders.
“So we must continue promoting such activities to help students better understand the importance of independence.
“It is not just about waving your flags, but to reflect our country’s spirit of kemerdekaan (independence),” he added.
The event coincided perfectly with the school’s National Day and Malaysia Day closing ceremony.
The one-month long celebration, called Bulan Kebangsaan, saw students performing traditional dances.
However, SMK Alam Megah English teacher Rozana Mohamed Rozali said the environment was different this year thanks to Star Media Group’s Raise the Flag initiative.
Rozana, who teaches English for Forms One, Four and Five, said the templates were distributed to the students the day before and they were given three hours to get down to work.
“The kids were full of ideas!
“I was expecting them to choose the red template as it would be easier to simply design it with the Jalur Gemilang.
“However, many chose the white template and poured out their artistic side, beautifully portraying their feelings for the country,” she said.
Rozana feels initiatives like Raise The Flag gives students an avenue to express themselves.
Many a time, an adult looks at a flag as it is, but children have different perspectives.
“I am glad my students had the opportunity to participate in this activity,” she shared.
“Malaysia has a lot of potential and resources (to move ahead),” she said.
Rozana said that as an educator, she believes in imparting good and holistic education to her students. “A well-rounded student always stands out as an exemplary ‘product’ for the country.”
The school’s vice-principal for co curricular activities Tanavalu Munian said that the country has attained prosperity after the formation of Malaysia and Merdeka. “Rather than grumbling over irrelevant issues, the focus should be on further improving economic achievements and educational facilities.
“While initiatives like Raise The Flag helps in uplifting the spirit of “Merdeka” among students, it is vital to educate youngsters on the struggle our leaders endured to gain independence.
“Merely teaching them a few sentences in a topic will not help, they will not see it,” he added.
Form One student Nuha Raina Nazri enjoyed designing the templates.
“I was able to express my creative side during the activity.
“I drew a hibiscus along with the Jalur Gemilang.
“To me, flowers have a peaceful and calming effect.
“It represents how peaceful our country is,” she said.
Echoing her sentiments was schoolmate Maheema Shri Nair, who said participating in Raise The Flag was fun and exciting.
“It’s a creative way to teach the new generation to appreciate the importance of Merdeka and I hope they will have the activity again next year.“No matter how different we are, we reunite each year for National Day and Malaysia Day to support each other and our country,” she added.