Patriotism campaign returns in bigger celebration than before

SELANGOR: In anticipation of the country’s 60th year of independence and Malaysia Day celebrations, one of Malaysia’s top property developers Eco World Development Group Berhad and the country’s leading English daily The Star, have joined forces for the third consecutive year to organise the #AnakAnakMalaysia campaign.

Started in 2015, the campaign took social media platforms by storm, with fellow Malaysians wearing the #AnakAnakMalaysia wristbands and creatively expressing their patriotism and thoughts on what it means to be Malaysians. The success of the first campaign spurred the organisers to do better last year by organising the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk. Held at Bukit Bintang City Centre, the 3.4km walk drew an astounding crowd of close to 6,000 proud Malaysians.

This year, the campaign returns in an even bigger celebration than before. The #AnakAnak Malaysia Walk 2017 will be held on August 27 at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam. The event will be graced by HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Sultan of Selangor. The #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk 2017 is a simple, but powerful act, continuing the hope of imbuing a sense of patriotism and fostering social impact as people of different races, creed, and background gather to celebrate the nation’s milestone. As with previous years, #AnakAnakMalaysia 2017 will be supported by the #AnakAnakMalaysia influencers. These are honoured and prominent figures, and members of society from all walks of life who have strong influence in the Malaysian community.

“Last year, we embarked on an initiative in line with the #AnakAnakMalaysia campaign inviting all Malaysians to take an active role in making a positive difference and walk together at the inaugural #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk. What took place was a testament to the pride that we have in our multi-racial, multireligious and multi-cultural heritage,” said Star Media Group’s chairman, Datuk Fu Ah Kiow at a gathering with this year’s #AnakAnakMalaysia influencers held at Eco Ardence Sales Gallery in Setia Alam.

“I am delighted to share that this year’s campaign will be bigger and better with even more effort being put in to unite Malaysians to come together and celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day. We expect to see thousands of Malaysians joining us in the #AnakAnakMalaysia 2017 walk in celebration of our country’s diversity, and in promotion of unity, harmony and tolerance. I would also like to encourage all Malaysians to wear the wristband proudly as we stand strong together as one country and one nation,” said Organising Chairman of #AnakAnakMalaysia 2017, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Another feat planned this year is the nationwide distribution via The Star and Borneo Post of a record one million wristbands fully sponsored by EcoWorld and designed by local cartoonist Reggie Lee, which will be available beginning August 27.

For more details of the route and to join the walk, visit www. anakanakmalaysia.com. For more information, contact 03-7967 1388, ext 1432/1529/1243 (Mon-Fri, 9am5pm).