Raise the flag high, fly it with pride
Thousands of Penangites celebrate first such event under new Government
Malaysians have been urged to fly the Jalur Gemilang this month to show their love for the country. The National Day Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018 campaign were launched by the Prime Minister with pomp and pageantry at the Esplanade in Penang.
GEORGE TOWN: Patriotism hit a high note as thousands of people thronged the launch of the National Month celebration at the Esplanade here – the first national event under the new Government.
The crowd waved the Jalur Gemilang when Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other dignitaries arrived to launch the celebration at 9pm yesterday.
Despite travelling from an event in Langkawi, the 93-year-old leader, who was accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, was all smiles as he greeted the crowd.
In his speech, Dr Mahathir called on Malaysians to be united to ensure the country would be a great nation.
He added the people had chosen a government of their choice and the promises made to them would be fulfilled.
“We will be a great nation again. But there is a lot of work to be done and the Government would not be able to do it without the people’s support,” he said.
Dr Mahathir urged the people to fly the Jalur Gemilang everywhere to show their sense of patriotism to the country.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo asked the people to display their love for Malaysia by flying the Jalur Gemilang in their workplaces, homes and business premises, and on their vehicles to show that “Malaysia is ours”.
The National Month (Bulan Kebangsaan) and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018 campaign share the theme “Sayangi Malaysiaku”, with Penang playing host for this year’s launch.
During the event, time appeared to have stood still as the crowd sang Negaraku and the flag was raised by members of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
The stage came alive in the evening with a fireworks show and traditional performances.
GEORGE TOWN: A group of patriotic Malaysians took part in the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy to show their love for the country.
Among the participants was Kazali Hashim, 49, who dressed up in a baju Melayu outfit made entirely from Jalur Gemilang.
“A tailor made this for me two years ago. It’s a way of showing my patriotism,” said the father of one who works as a security guard for a property developer.
The convoy, which is part of the National Month (Bulan Kebangsaan) and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018 campaign, will travel all around Penang during the threeday state-level event until tomorrow.
Earlier, more than 2,500 participants took part in the 5km Merdeka Run which was flagged off by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the Esplanade.
The route covered Lebuh Light, Lebuh Farquhar, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jalan Larut, Jalan Burmah and Jalan Arratoon, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Lebuh Farquhar and Lebuh Light before ending at the Esplanade.
It was equally an exciting atmosphere at the Penang Caring Bridge Exhibition at the Esplanade which saw 35 booths from various sectors taking part, including the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM).
“Our aim for this exhibition is to promote the navy career to the public,” said PWI Zainul Abidin Ghazali at the TLDM booth.
Models of TLDM ships, uniforms and infographics relating to the force were also on display.