PRIDE OF NATION: Najib waving the national flag during the launching of the 2013 National Level Fly The Jalur Gemilang Campaign at Dataran Zero in Sungai Petani on Friday night. He is flanked by Shabery (left) and Mukhriz.
SUNGAI PETANI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said flying the Jalur Gemilang wholeheartedly in a meaningful manner showed a patriotic spirit and marked the nation’s sovereignty and independence.
Furthermore, this year’s Independence Day theme of ‘Malaysiaku Berdaulat Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku’ (My Sovereign Malaysia: My Native Land) had a very deep meaning, he said at the launch of the 2013 National Level Fly the Jalur Gemilang programme at Dataran Zero here on Friday night.
“So don’t just fly the flag for the sake of it. We must know the meaning in-depth and translate the same to actions and behaviour which prove our loyalty to the nation,” he said.
The prime minister said the Jalur Gemilang was raised in 1950 and has been flying for 63 years witnessing Malaysia’s progress from a poor, unknown, and tiny nation to the threshold of a developed nation.
“If everyone of us as citizens are willing to defend the independence and sovereignty of Malaysia, we will surely achieve the developed status,” he said.
Najib called on Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang with pride as it represented their identity and reflected their gratitude for the prevailing peace, prosperity and strength of the country.
Also present at the function were the Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and state executive councilors.
More than 50,000 people crowded Dataran Zero to witness the national level launch of Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign which was held for the first time in Kedah.
OUR FLAG: Najib placing a Jalur Gemilang on a car after launching the campaign.
Minister: Lahad Datu intrusion important lesson for Malaysians to remain united
The intrusion by Sulu terrorists into Lahad Datu must serve as a lesson and a ‘wake-up call’ for Malaysians, on the importance of unity, patriotism and sovereignty in facing the threats of globalisation.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek urged the people to show their patriotism, support and love for their country by remaining steadfast and ready to sacrifice so as to defend the sovereignty of the country.
Ahmad Shabery who is also the Chairman of the 56th Merdeka Day Celebrations and 50th Malaysia Day celebrations said the selection of the theme for the Merdeka Day celebrations ‘Malaysiaku Berdaulat: Tanah Tumpah Darahku’ was also influenced by the aftermath of the Lahad Datu intrusion said in the souvenir programme for the launch of the 56th Independence Day Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign at Dataran Zero, Jam Besar, here, on Friday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the campaign in the presence of the 6th Askar Melayu Diraja battalion and about 50,000 who flooded the Dataran Zero.
Also present were the Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir and other state and federal leaders.
Among local artists invited to add colour to the event were Zainal Abidin, Amy Search, Black Mentor, Mila Akademi Fantasia (AF), Kumpulan Kristal and Ramli Sarip. — Bernama
SYMBOL OF UNITY: The spectators waving the Jalur Gemilang during the launch of the Fly The Jalur Gemilang Campaign by Najib at Dataran Zero.
WARM WELCOME: The Prime Minister given a warm welcome to launch the 2013 National Level Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign on Friday night.
LOVE FOR THE NATION: A sea of spectators converge at Dataran Zero for the launching of 2013 National Level Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign by Najib at Dataran Zero on Friday night.