LET’S FLY JALUR GEMILANG: Muhyiddin (second row, third right) and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman (second row, second right) waving the Jalur Gemilang in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. —Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The Jalur Gemilang was raised simultaneously nationwide on Tuesday night to mark the start of the 55th Merdeka Day celebrations themed ‘55 Tahun Merdeka Janji Ditepati.’
The flag with 14 red and white stripes is the symbol of unity of Malaysians from Perlis to Sabah in achieving glory for the race and country.
From Kota Kinabalu to Kangar, thousands of Malaysians joined leaders at campaigns to fly the Jalur Gemilang while singing Negaraku and Jalur Gemilang with patriotism.
In Kuala Lumpur, the ‘Kibar Jalur Gemilang’ launch was held simultaneously in Kampung Baru representing the Malays, Petaling Street representing the Chinese and Brickfields representing the Indian community.
Thousands of people flocked to the three locations to join the patriotic and colourful events.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the event in Little India, Brickfields accompanied by Information Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin launched the campaign in Kampung Baru accompanied by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin while Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai launched the event at Petaling Street.
In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman urged the people to appreciate the important message of independence with deep gratitude.
He said this was because not many countries with multiracial population such as Malaysia lived in peace and prosperity.
“Sabah which gained independence via Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963 has benefited much from policies and development programmes for the people.
“Government leaders and civil servants continue to increase commitment to serve and strive for the future of the people,” he said at the launch of ‘Bulan Merdeka’ and ‘Kibar Jalur Gemilang’ here.
In PENANG, the event was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
At the ceremony attended by about 5,000 people, he presented the Jalur Gemilang to five representatives from five important agencies responsible for driving Vision 2020.
They were Penang police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakob, state development officer Datuk Nik Ali Mat Yunus, state customs director Datuk Zulkifli Yahya, state health director Lailanor Ibrahim and USM deputy vice-chancellor Prof Datuk See Ching Mey.
In MELAKA, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam launched the campaign at the Urban Transformation Centre at Jalan Hang Tuah and attended by about 4,000 people and Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam who represented the federal government.
In KUALA KANGSAR, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir launched the campaign at the Arena Square in front of about 2,000 people.
Prior to the launch, a convoy of 150 high powered motorcycles headed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived at the square from Parit Buntar after passing through Bagan Serai, Batu Kurau and Lenggong.
In SEREMBAN, the state level campaign was launched by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at the Dataran Senawang, Senawang, in the presence of political leaders, heads of departments, government agencies and non governmental bodies.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Shaziman Abu Mansor who was in attendance read out the message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in front of about 1,000 people before the Jalur Gemilang was raised and followed by Negaraku.
In KUANTAN, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob headed the launch of the Jalur Gemilang campaign in the presence of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who read out the Prime Minister’s message at the Darul Makmur Stadium.
The campaign which was initially held outside the stadium was moved inside the stadium when it started raining.
In KOTA BAHARU, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat who launched the campaign at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium was disappointed that many did not take the Jalur Gemilang campaign seriously.
“I urge the people of all levels to work together in order ensure the success of the campaign so that the young generation will know the history of the country’s independence and struggles,” he said.
In SHAH ALAM, about 2,000 people gathered at i-City in Section 7, Shah Alam to witness the launch of the Kibar Jalur Gemilang by Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar.
In KUALA TERENGGANU, about 5,000 people turned up to witness the launch of the Kibar Jalur Gemilang campaign by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, at Dataran Syahbandar.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek represented the federal government during the launch which started with 55 soldiers from the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) marching in with the Jalur Gemilang.
In ALOR SETAR, senior state exco member Datuk Mohd Taulan Rasul who represented Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak, launched the ‘Kibar Jalur Gemilang’ campaign at Dataran Balai Besar in front of about 2,000 people.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom represented the federal government.
In JOHOR, a slight drizzle failed to dampen the spirit of about 10,000 people who turned up to witness the launch at Dataran Tanjung Emas in Muar which kicked off with 550 flag bearers marching about a kilometre from the Muar town.
State chairman for Housing, Local Government, Works and Public Amenities Committee Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil who represented Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman launched the campaign while Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein read the message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
In KANGAR, Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu led thousands of revellers at the Dataran Merdeka in Kangar to launch the campaign.
The highlight of the launch was a convoy by 150 high powered motorcycles who rode in with the Jalur Gemilang flags.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha represented the federal government.—Bernama