Tuaran: The spirit of patriotism needs to begin with the self-awareness of every citizen, especially youths, and should not depend solely on official programmes.
Political Secretary to the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Mohammad Ghazali Hajiji said every individual has a role in fostering the spirit of love for the country, including through small initiatives at the community level.
“The spirit of patriotism needs to begin with ourselves. No matter how small the programme organised, including flying the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah State flag, every effort is important as a sign of our love for the country.
“As Malaysians and Sabahans, let us fly the flags together throughout the National Day celebration, whether at home, on vehicles or anywhere, because this is our homeland,” he said when met by the media at the Tuaran District-level Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) Launching Ceremony here.
Ghazali also encouraged youths to organise various activities in their respective areas as a platform to foster the spirit of patriotism, as well as strengthen ties within the community.
“Efforts to foster patriotism should not stop only at official programmes, but instead it needs to be continued through awareness and initiatives by the community itself.
“The approach of going to the open grounds is important in bringing leaders closer to the community, while also fostering a spirit of together-ness in celebrating the National Day,” he added.
He also described the initiative by the Sabah Information Department to organise the KMJG Programme as a meaningful effort in bringing the community closer to the activities of the independence celebration, as well as increasing awareness of the importance of the spirit of patriotism.
The programme was also enlightened by Langkah Jiwa Merdeka through the 1 Rumah 1 Jalur Gemilang (1R1JG) initiative campaign, with participants walking alongside the KMJG convoy while distributing flags to the local community.
He hoped youths and the community as a whole would continue to play a role in fostering the spirit of patriotism and make the National Day celebration a platform to strengthen their love for the country.
Also present were Sabah Information Director Jainisah Mohd Noor, Sulaman Assistant District Officer (Development) Alfian Rahim and District Information Officer Nur Azean Makbul.
