KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should value the country’s history and appreciate the sacrifices made by the previous generation to create a distinct national identity, says Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin.
He said the people today led prosperous lives because of this noble effort, underpinned by the Rukun Negara.
“The principles of Rukun Negara are splendid, and should always be embraced and practised,” he said during an interview on RTM’s ‘Selamat Pagi Malaysia’ programme today, held in conjunction with the launching ceremony of the 2020 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is scheduled to launch the programme on July 28 in Putrajaya.
Referring to the five principles of Rukun Negara, Zahidi said the ideology has been held by the people for the past 50 years, and hoped that loyalty to the country would remain steadfast, especially among the youth.
Commenting on the theme of National Day and Malaysia Day this year which is ‘Malaysia Prihatin’, Zahidi said it meant the perseverance of all Malaysians in facing Covid-19.
It also showed the government’s concern in giving priority to the welfare of the people through the ‘PRIHATIN’ initiatives, which cover the economic, welfare and survival aspects of all Malaysians, he said.
Meanwhile, he said the government through the ministry and its agencies had plans to implement four main activities to enliven the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations this year.
“The Information Department is also actively conducting ‘Info On Wheels’ programmes on aspects of independence and there are various activities that will be carried out to ignite the patriotic spirit,” he said.
Apart from that, he said other related programmes that had been arranged and launched were the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Rukun Negara (July 9), National Day 2020 celebration on Aug 31 in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia Day 2020 celebration on Sept 16 in Sibu, Sarawak.
He also urged Malaysians to raise the Jalur Gemilang at their respective homes and business premises in expressing their love for the country. – Bernama
