Flying national flag a way to show patriotism, students told

MIRI: Flying the Jalur Gemilang at schools is one way for students to show their patriotism for the country which they have learnt from the History subject.

Besides flying the national flag, chairman of SMK Lutong’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Misiah Abdullah said schools would organise a series of activities to promote the spirit of patriotism in conjunction with the National Day celebration.

“For me, History is an important subject in building our character which teaches us how to enhance the existing peaceful living for community wellbeing.

“Effort to maintain racial unity and religious harmony in Sarawak is also another alternative to promote the spirit of patriotism,” she said when contacted yesterday on her views regarding the upcoming Nationa Day celebration on Aug 31.

However, Misiah who is also a councillor at Miri City Council (MCC) personally felt there is a need for teachers to provide accurate information according to the chronology date of independence.

“Aug 31 is Malaya’s independence date and July 22 the date when Sarawak was granted self-rule by the British while Malaysia was formed on Sept 16.”

Thus, she strongly felt that there is no problem for schools to continue celebrate Aug 31 as independence day for Malaya as long as the students are well-versed about the date.