Eye-catching tribute

Malaysians overseas hope for a safer and economically thriving future

Students of SMK Seri Nilam hanging up a massive version of the Jalur Gemilang on the school’s exterior in Kuala Terengganu ahead of National Day. The flag, which is 8m wide and 36m long, was made by six teachers and 10 students, and took a week to complete.

BEIJING: Birthday greetings and messages are flying home from Malaysians here, wishing the country a happy National Day.

Taking part in the #AnakAnak Malaysia 2018 campaign, they waved the Jalur Gemilang to showcase their pride as Malaysians.

A safer Malaysia, zero corruption and stable economic growth are among their wishes in seeing the nation progress for a better tomorrow.

At just 10, Ryan Looi has taken up an “ambassador’s” responsibility of introducing Malaysia to his teachers and friends at an international school in Beijing.

“I told them where Malaysia is and shared with them everything I know about my country,” said the boy, who left Malaysia with his parents when he was just four.

Ryan visits Malaysia only twice a year, but the roti canai fan knows so much about his country that it is as though he never left.

“He is taking Bahasa Malaysia classes here and we constantly remind him that he is a Malaysian,” said Ryan’s father Rodney Looi.

Steven Fock, a chief executive officer of an entertainment company here, has appealed for a safer environment for his family members back home.

He said the high crime rate was one of the main concerns of his family.

“A friend of mine was robbed three times at his home. He became scared and moved into an apartment with high security.

“Not everyone can afford to do this,” said Fock, adding that reducing the crime rate would also instil confidence among investors.

Lim Yeh Jun, who has just completed his master’s degree in chemistry biology, hopes to see more efforts in the field of research and development.

“This is the capital of a rich and strong country.

“We do not have to rely on others if we have our own creations and products,” he said.

Standing out: Normala Md Desa (left) and her daughter Nurul Nadiah Tajuddin decorating the compound of their home in Kampung Perlis in Balik Pulau, Penang, with over 2,500 Jalur Gemilang flags for National Day. Normala says she has done this every August for the last 20 years. Helped by her husband and five children, the decorations cost about RM1,300. — BernamaAfloat with pride: Residents of Kampung Fikri in Setiu, Terengganu, waving the Jalur Gemilang during a boat procession in conjunction with the Merdeka@ Community programme. The 1km-long procession was held as a demonstration of patriotism ahead of National Day. — Bernama Practice makes perfect: Members of uniformed units waving the Jalur Gemilang during a rehearsal for the National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya. A total of 15,000 contingents will be taking part in this year’s celebration, which carries the theme ‘ Sayangi Malaysiaku’. — BernamaEtched in colour: Students of SMK Putatan in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, dressed in traditional Kadazandusun costumes and showing their National Day-themed drawings at the launch of the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations at their school. The event was officiated by Sabah Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Junz Wong. — Bernama

Missing home: Malaysians in Beijing participating in the # AnakAnakMalaysia campaign. — Photo courtesy of Rodney Looi