Proud to be Malaysian: Around 1,000 staff members from various government departments and agencies attended the launch at the Seberang Perai Arena Convention Centre. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUTTERWORTH: August holds special significance for Malaysians, as it is marked by the spirit of flying the Jalur Gemilang and celebrating our independence from foreign rule.
To honour Malaysia’s upcoming 67th National Day, around 1,000 staff members from government departments and agencies in Penang gathered at the Seberang Perai Arena Convention Centre to kick off the state’s celebrations yesterday.
They sang patriotic songs such as Keranamu Malaysia and Jalur Gemilang before pledging their loyalty to the country.
In his speech, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised the importance of celebrating the annual occasion with enthusiasm and pride.
“This year, the theme ‘Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka’ has been chosen to celebrate our beloved country’s 67 years of independence,” he said.
“This theme expresses the people’s freedom to interpret the patriotic spirit through thinking, social integration and the economy, which in turn forms a strong, harmonious and progressive unity in line with the essence of Malaysia Madani.
“The values of love, unity, tolerance and cooperation are crucial in ensuring harmony and progress. I call on all parties to proudly fly the Jalur Gemilang and the state flag of Penang in offices, companies and residences to fuel the spirit of the 67th National Day,” he said.
Accompanied by other state leaders, Chow distributed flags to 63 department and agency representatives before flagging off a 25-vehicle convoy adorned with Jalur Gemilang flags.
Penang’s National Day parade will be held at Padang Kota Lama in George Town on Aug 31, while the Malaysia Day celebration will take place at Dewan Millenium, Kepala Batas, on Sept 16.
