DALAT: Teachers have a duty to tell students about important dates and the significance of such events.
“The younger generation needs to know why we celebrate July 22 and why the Sarawak government declared it as a public holiday,” said Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
“They also need to know the significance of Aug 31, which is the National Day and September 16, which is Malaysia Day.
“This is what we need to tell them so that what is recorded in the history books, which may be incorrect, we can provide the correct information,” she said.
Fatimah who is Dalat assemblywoman was speaking at the Semarak Gemilang Programme, held in conjunction with Kembara Keluarga Malaysia Convoy at Dalat Waterfront, today (Aug 21).
The programme plays a vital role in instilling the spirit of love for the country, especially among the younger generation, she said.
Towards this end she called on the younger generation to inculcate patriotism and get to know the flags, especially Jalur Gemilang and the Sarawak flag.
“The role of the state’s Education Department and Information Department (JaPen) is also important, especially when such programmes are held in schools.
“I am sure that the spirit of patriotism among students can be instilled and strengthened,” she said.
Fatimah also revealed that a carnival, which focuses on food, music, handicrafts, games and medicines of the Melanau communities will be held on Nov 19.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri would be the guest of honour and is expected to officiate at the Dalat Tourism Trail.
She also hoped that Melanau community’s heritage foods such as ‘umai’ and ‘sagu’ would be included and declared in the national heritage food list.
According to Fatimah, there are many efforts to promote Melanau handicrafts, especially ‘seraong’ and hoped that the product would be included in the Dalat Tourism Trail as well.
It is understood that Dalat is the 25th stop for the convoy and will resume its journey to Balingian and end in Betong on Aug 31.
