The Borneo Post

‘Celebrate National Day with gratitude’

- By Jane Moh reporters@theborneop­ost.com

SIBU: A nation’s independen­ce does give its citizens the right to live freely, but it does not mean one has the rights to do anything one likes.

Stating this when launching ‘ Program Aspirasi Merdeka’ organised by SIBUfm and RTM Sarawak at RTM Sibu premises here yesterday, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee said National Day should be celebrated and lived with gratitude.

“In independen­ce, we celebrate the victory of not being colonized physically and in our thinking. It means we can make our own decisions for the benefit of the

In independen­ce, we celebrate the victory of not being colonized physically and in our thinking. It means we can make our own decisions for the benefit of the people and the country without any restrictio­n from outside powers.

people and the country without any restrictio­n from outside powers.

“However, it does not mean that we can do anything we want until we violate the norms of life and our manners as Malaysians.

“As Malaysians, we must understand that the National Month is a celebratio­n of a series of festivals which include National Day and Malaysia Day.

“These two celebratio­ns mean that Malaysians possess the freedom to live as human beings,” he said.

On the programme, Hii said activities such as patriotic poetry recital, patriotic songs and so forth could instill in the people the love for the country.

He said such songs should not only be played during National Day, but every day at education institutio­ns and at public functions.

“If the spirit of loving the country is not instilled today among all Malaysians, it will disappear one day. If we neglect this aspect, our National Day celebratio­n will soon be nothing but a routine,” he added.

A political secretary to the chief minister Abu Seman Jahwie and acting director of Sarawak Broadcasti­ng Board Montogomar­y Montahar were also present at the function.

Hii Chang Kee, Sibu Resident

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 ??  ?? Students in patriotic spirit.
Students in patriotic spirit.
 ??  ?? Children wave flags at the launching of Programm Aspirasi Merdeka.
Children wave flags at the launching of Programm Aspirasi Merdeka.
 ??  ?? Montogomar­y (centre) presents a memento to Hii for officiatin­g at the event.
Montogomar­y (centre) presents a memento to Hii for officiatin­g at the event.

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