Discard perception that only govt agencies celebrate National Month

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The public in Sabah have been advised to discard the perception that only government agencies are responsible for celebrating Independence Month and National Day on August 31, said State Science, Technology and Innovation minister DatukYakub Khan.

He said all Sabahans are urged to fly the Jalur Gemilang in their respective premises or areas, to express their gratitude and patriotism as Malaysian citizens who now live in peace and harmony.

Yakub said the advice should be given due consideration because at the moment not many in Sabah are passionate about flying the Jalur Gemilang since were can see that not many flags are being hoisted in premises like offices, homes or anywhere else.

"We also found that Sabahans allowed the Jalur Gemilang to be damaged and failed to replace worn out ones. Drop the wait-and-see approach that the Jalur Gemilang will be given out for free from any party, whether the government or non-governmental organisations (NGO).

"Every individual needs to change the perception that only government agencies are responsible for this celebration when the month of August arrives,” he said when officiating the state-level closing ceremony of the 2022 Malaysia Family Merdeka Campaign here today.

At the ceremony, he welcomed 16 vehicles and 60 participants from various government agencies led by the Department of Information which started on Aug 9. The convoy travelled through several districts in Sabah before ending in Kota Kinabalu today.

He also invited Sabahans to adopt the right mentality and attitude of respecting the Jalur Gemilang which is the identity of this proud country.

“If you come across a worn or neglected Jalur Gemilang, please take the initiative to buy and replace the neglected flag or inform the owner of the premises so that the Jalur Gemilang can be taken down and replaced with a new one," he said.

Regarding the convoy, he congratulated all the agencies involved for their efforts to fuel this year's National Month celebration.

"This spirit should be commended because of their efforts to succeed in the message of unity, patriotism and inculcating peace among the people, especially in Sabah,” he added.

-- BERNAMA