A local Chinese leader has urged the Chinese community in the country to fly the Jalur Gemilang in celebration of Malaysia's 55th Merdeka Day to show their patriotism.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) deputy president Ter Leong Yap said the gesture would reflect that they are just as patriotic as any other race in the country.

"It is a simple thing which everyone born and bred in Malaysia, including the Chinese, can afford to do," he told Bernama today.

azlan Furthermore, he said, flying the national flag would be a display of the unity that exists among citizens of various races and ethnic diversity in Malaysia.

"Such understanding and trust among the people would certainly be an affirmation of the country's strength," he added.

According to Ter, the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the ACCCIM have been collaborating with Malay-language daily Berita Harian to foster better understanding among the races by organising various activities involving the non-Chinese communities.

Meanwhile, Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia (Hua Zong) president Pheng Yin Huah said the Chinese community can express their patriotism not merely by flying the Jalur Gemilang but in other ways as well.

"They should always maintain the mindset that Independence Day is a significant day that should be celebrated, and flying the Jalur Gemilang is part of the preparation," he said.

Pheng had earlier expressed his appreciation to the government for approving the construction of a national-type private secondary school in Kuantan and abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA), besides other policies that had benefited the community.

He said it was the people's hope that their voice and views would be heard by the government and the people should rightly show their appreciation when the government resolves their problems. 

- Bernama

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