Instill patriotism into youths at young age – CM

KOTA KIANABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj Aman said the spirit of patriotism for one’s country must be instilled at a very young age for it to be meaningful and unwavering as adults.

“Young people regardless of race and religion should learn the history of the formation of Malaysia and the history of Sabah in that context,” he said.

He said the youths must understand the meaning behind celebrations such as Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day.

“Young people must also be taught to coexist in peace and harmony in an ethnically and religiously diverse society such as Malaysia and Sabah,” he added.

Musa also said the government of the day had implemented many policies and programmes to maintain the prevailing peace and harmony such as giving yearly allocations to vernacular schools and non-Muslim religious organizations.

He said this during a courtesy call by the organising committee of Art of Nation Building programme led by organising chairlady Dr Pamela Yong at Sri Gaya yesterday.

Pamela said the purpose of the visit was to invite the Chief Minister to be the guest of honour of the Art of Nation Building programme to be held on March 12.

The programme is jointly organised by the Sabah Education Department , the Society Empowerment & Economic Development of Sabah (SEEDS), the Federation of Sabah Chinese Women Associations (FCWS) and Junior Chamber International Kota Kinabalu (JCI Kota Kinabalu).

She said the programme was aimed at cultivating a sense of nationhood and belonging through art and to encourage patriotism and instill loyalty into the hearts of young people by creating awareness about national values through the expression of art.

“The programme also aims to create awareness to the diverse race, ethnicity and cultures of our society, especially in our youth and to further create an understanding of this diversity and thereby acceptance and respect for each other,” she said.