Don’t Be Afraid To Show Patriotism, Fly The Jalur Gemilang – Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has advised Malaysians not to be afraid to display their patriotism and fly the Jalur Gemilang during the national month.

Fahmi, who also serves as the MADANI Government spokesperson, said the patriotic spirit of the people should not be dampened by the attempts made by some individuals to instil fear around activities involving the national flag.

“Do not be afraid to put up the Jalur Gemilang. Don’t feel scared. Some may be worried because a small group of individuals tries to stir up sentiment and exploit the situation to intimidate people.

“Do not take action on behalf of the police; the police will investigate. Do not take action on behalf of the Attorney General’s Chambers; the Attorney General will prosecute. Do not take action on behalf of the judges,” he said at the opening of the programme to promote cultural arts with the Pantai Dalam community, here today.

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that there would be no more warnings or reprimands; instead, strict action would be taken against anyone who incites ethnic, religious, and cultural tensions in the country.

Anwar said that the growing harmful elements, from the issue of the death of 13-year-old student, Zara Qairina Mahathir, allegedly due to bullying, and most recently the upside-down display of Jalur Gemilang, must be stopped immediately.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said that relevant parties must not take the law into their own hands, urging them to trust the authorities to carry out their duties.

“The message I want to convey is that during this National Month, fly the Jalur Gemilang proudly and without fear, to remind ourselves, our families and our communities that Malaysia belongs to all of us,” he said.

When asked by reporters on calls by some parties to boycott National Day celebrations if Zara Qairina’s case remains unsolved, Fahmi said it should not happen because the celebrations are national events, encouraging everyone to celebrate.

“I, too, want justice for Zara; we don’t want bullying to become an ongoing issue. The law is already in place, and action is being taken by Bukit Aman, which has taken over the investigation into the Zara Qairina case. An inquest has been requested, and I believe a date will be set soon. We know that the justice process does take time.

“I believe we will obtain justice. Let us not build castles over graves. Let us not try to take advantage to gain personal popularity. What we want is justice,” he added.

-- BERNAMA