LETTER | This Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day should be celebrated with a new spirit, as Malaysians sense a rebirth of our nation.

Persatuan Patriot Kebangssan (Patriot) would like to lead in the call on all Malaysians to show our patriotic spirit to fly the Jalur Gemilang in our homes, offices and personal vehicles.

Aug 31 and Sep 16 should be celebrated with a difference. We should all come out to show our love, kindness, and compassion for our fellow Malaysians, and our beloved country.

Flying the Jalur Gemilang is an outward display of the spirit of loyalty and patriotism. Besides that, it is more meaningful that all Malaysians also truly respect and uphold the Federal Constitution and abide by our national principles as reflected in the Rukunegara.

Patriot suggests this year’s Merdeka parade be celebrated more in a carnival atmosphere involving the various spectrum of the Malaysian populace, and not so much a display of our military assets as in the past.

Our close collaborator, G25 Malaysia, shares this idea and suggestion. During this Merdeka Day celebration, the Malaysia Day celebration in Sabah, and also celebration in the various states, let us come out in full force to show our Malaysian unity as never seen before.

Patriot calls on the Communications and Multimedia Ministry to quickly release the theme song, ‘Kita Punya Malaysia’, so that the people can learn to sing it soonest. The song should provide an uplifting spirit, a feeling of patriotism, and help foster national unity.

We are happy to announce that our honorary member, Lee Kim Yew, will be sponsoring five thousand pieces of the Jalur Gemilang. Patriot would be happy to help disseminate the flags to those who are keen.

MOHAMED ARSHAD RAJI is the president of Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.