KUALA LUMPUR: Inculcating the spirit of patriotism in young people is not an easy task as today’s generation is often influenced by western culture, especially for those who grew up outside Malaysia. One of the parents who strives to instill patriotism in his young children is national cyclist Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, as his young family is now residing in Melbourne, Australia. As the country celebrates its 62nd National Day this Saturday (Aug 31), Azizulhasni shared a bit of the challenges he faced in nurturing patriotism in his two young daughters.
Having lived in Melbourne for almost 12 years due to his career commitment, Azizulhasni, who won bronze medal in the Rio Olympic, admitted that being abroad was not a hindrance for him and his wife Athiyah Ilyana Abd Samat to ensure that their daughters Amna Mariyam, seven, and Amna Khadeeja, four, to be aware and embrace their Malaysian roots.
“I always speak in Bahasa Malaysia with them because we have been living here in Australia for several years already and the girls are attending schools here, so my wife and I will try to inculcate the Malaysian values in them with hope that they will not forget their Malaysian roots despite growing up in foreign land.
“I also regularly teach them about the geography and history of Malay-sia, to do flag painti n g activities and to paste them on the walls around the house. I show them advertisement or tell them stories related to Merdeka to give them a better understanding even when they are still young,” he told Bernama. – Bernama
