In conjunction with the National Day celebration this year, all cinemas nationwide will once again be playing the national anthem ‘Negaraku’ before the start of every movie, said Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said this was due to the positive response given by audience and cinema operators alike last year and the fact that the move was seen to have succeeded in inculcating the spirit of love for the country among the young generation.  

“It will continue for a week before Aug 31,” he told reporters after launching the Celcom Escape Merdeka Video Contest in Kuala Lumpur today.

On Aug 16 last year, Ahmad Shabery proposed for the national anthem to be played before film screenings at cinemas nationwide in conjunction with the 56th anniversary of Malaysia’s National Day.

The minister said the National Day celebration should be seen as everybody’s event and should not be initiated only by the government.

Ahmad Shabery said all quarters, including non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies and members of the public, must also take part in nurturing and  inculcating the spirit of love for the country.

“We want all quarters to see the celebration as a brand that should be celebrated and enlivened by all without having to wait for official celebration organised by government agencies,” he said.

Commenting on the initiative taken by Celcom, Ahmad Shabery said the effort was indeed commendable and should be emulated by all in giving a new breath to the National Day celebration.

- Bernama