Prove patriotic by contributing, sacrificing for country

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29  -- Malaysians should sow the spirit of patriotism in themselves by making contributions and sacrifices for the country’s progress, thus  proving that they are qualified to be citizens of the country, according to a former legal adviser.

Tan Sri Kamarul Ariffin Mohamed Yassin , 86, said the people should look back at the basis of the country’s formation, like understanding the concept of Rukun Negara which emphasises the spirit of togetherness and sets aside selfishness and egoism.

“We have to show that we are Malaysians. Do not be selfish, put aside ego. Be a Malaysian, not that I am a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabahan, Sarawakian, etc. Put the country first. That is the beginning of patriotism,” he told Bernama.

Kamarul was the legal adviser to the government when Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, and then Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, were prime minister.

Also a former senator, he said, a country that had achieved its independence would want its citizens to be those capable of bringing glory and placing the country at greater heights.

“Bring glory to Malaysia, which is rich in racial diversity. That is an indication of the existence of the patriotic spirit in us,” he added.

The former World Scouts Council chairman also believed that inter-racial relations should continue to be sowed among Malaysians so that the respect for other beliefs, culture and religions continue to flourish in the country.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin launched the 2020 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign in Putrajaya.

-- BERNAMA