PATRIOTIC SPIRIT: Riot (left) waving the Jalur Gemilang with the convoy participants at the event.
SERIAN: Malaysia is recognised as a model for Islamic nations with its economic stability but its younger generation must protect its peace and stability so that it can continue to develop rapidly.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Richard Riot said this in light of the act of irresponsible people at the Merdeka Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, on Aug 30 who stomped on the Jalur Gemilang and the prime minister’s photo.
“I have attended international conferences and we are amongst the best that many other countries are jealous of us, just look at our stable gross domestic product,” said Riot at the Samarahan-level Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang Aidilfitri convoy yesterday.
He said threats from outside and within the country could not threaten the peace stretching over 50 years.
“We must make sure the Jalur Gemilang is not toyed with or destroyed because we will lose our identity without it,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he said there was no truth behind the rumours that Sarawak will drop out of Malaysia.
“No, no, it is new information for me because based on our constitution; no state can drop out of Malaysia. If the rumour is out, then it is a political ploy by the opposition to fish for Sarawak and Sabah votes,” he said.
He believes Sarawakians are a mature lot in the political scene and can make the right choice in the upcoming general election.
At the event, Riot flagged off 30 vehicles with a majority of the participants from government agencies. The convoy was also joined by Tegar Bikers Samarahan which headed towards Simunjan Sadong and ended at Kota Samarahan.
The Serian-level Merdeka Day celebration was merry with 200 motorcycle participants from Pontianak, Kuching, Serian and Kota Samarahan.