Mohamad Zahri distributing Jalur Gemilang to passengers on a bus.— Photos SAMUEL ONG/The Star
INVITED guests were asked what “merdeka” meant to them during a National Day event organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
“For me, ‘merdeka’ is about the patriotic spirit and remembering past leaders,” said SMK Sultan Abdul Samad student Haikal.
Kindergarten children dressed as uniformed personnel carrying the national flag.
He was replying to Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon during the “Kibar Jalur Gemilang” Campaign 2024 launch at MBPJ’s Dewan Sivik in Petaling Jaya.
“We should be thankful, as ‘merdeka’ means we are free from colonisation,” added Haikal’s teacher, Suminta.
Mohamad Zahri had asked selected members of the audience about their thoughts on National Day.
“As what the students and teachers mentioned, merdeka means we are free from colonialism and also that we need to move forward,” said Mohamad Zahri.
Performers in various cultural costumes during the campaign launch at MBPJ’s Dewan Sivik in Petaling Jaya.
The mayor presented a total of 2,000 flags to representatives from schools, government agencies and non-governmental organisations at the event.
Patriotic songs like Malaysia Madani, Jalur Gemilang and Tanggal 31 were also played while the crowd waved the national flag.
The Jalur Gemilang was also distributed to passing motorists around the MBPJ headquarters.
Mohamad Zahri even boarded a bus and distributed the national flag to passengers on board. —By JOSHUA YAP
