Fahmi Calls On Malaysians To Fly Jalur Gemilang Year-round As Symbol Of National Pride

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysians are being urged to demonstrate their patriotism not just during National Month, but all year round by proudly flying the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of national identity and unity.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the spirit of Malaysia should not fade after the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations but should continue to burn brightly in the hearts of all citizens.

“We shouldn’t limit the flying of the Jalur Gemilang to just between National Day and Malaysia Day. Let us seize this opportunity to ignite the spirit of our nationhood for a country called Malaysia.

“Let us all uphold the Jalur Gemilang with pride, and I hope we use this moment to sustain that patriotic spirit not only in August and September but throughout the year, not just on buildings or vehicles, but most importantly, in the hearts and souls of Malaysians,” he said.

Fahmi made the remarks during a live interview on the Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme aired on RTM’s TV1. Also present was QSR Brands (M) Holdings Berhad chief executive officer Nehchal C. Khanna.

Fahmi noted that the display of the national flag across premises, buildings, and vehicles has not only sparked patriotic sentiment among Malaysians but also drawn admiration from foreign tourists.

“Sometimes we hear from these tourists, especially those who visited during National Month, that they’ve never seen a country where the national flag is flown with such pride on so many buildings,” he said.

On the upcoming Malaysia Day celebration, Fahmi said that this year’s celebration will retain the symbolic signing of the Malaysia Day Book, which is a commemorative document that incorporates elements from all Malaysian states, signifying the unity that has existed since 1963.

The signing ceremony will be held on the night of Sept 16 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena in Penang, which, for the first time, has been selected as the national-level host for Malaysia Day.

“National Day celebration typically showcases our military assets and agency preparedness. But for Malaysia Day, the highlight is the ceremonial signing of the Malaysia Day Book by the Premier of Sarawak (Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), Chief Minister of Sabah (Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor), and the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim),” he explained.

Fahmi said the book is unique in that it features elements from each state and serves as a record of yearly achievements, reinforcing the significance of Malaysia Day.

Further adding to this year’s celebrations, the minister announced that the Ministry of National Unity will organise a special tribute in Kepala Batas on Sept 16 to honour the legacy of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“This is one of several events under the broader Malaysia Day programme. There will also be side events like the Rahmah Sales, government agency booths, and the MADANI Rakyat programme, where the public can access services such as traffic summons payments,” he said.

Another highlight will be the Bersama Malaysiaku competition, launched earlier by the Prime Minister’s Department. Winners will be celebrated on Malaysia Day, with prizes presented in recognition of their patriotic contributions.

“I’ll be heading to Penang tomorrow and will be on the ground to review preparations and watch the final rehearsals. I believe this year’s celebration will be no less grand, and promises to be vibrant, with cultural performances and guest artistes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nehchal announced QSR Brands’ contribution of RM2.8 million on behalf of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Life Sources to support and enliven the Malaysia Day celebration, underlining the company’s commitment to patriotism and community solidarity.

“This contribution is very meaningful for us. It reflects the values we uphold at QSR Brands - giving back to the community, especially the underprivileged. Nation-building is core to our mission.

“Our programmes like Sehati and the KFC Scholarship initiative are ways we reinvest in society. Events like these offer an opportunity for meaningful collaboration with the government and the people. And of course, very much appreciated,” he added.

-- BERNAMA