KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has rallied Sabahans to fly both the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flags in order to ramp up the excitement during this National Month.
The Chief Minister urged the people to participate in the “1 Rumah 1 Jalur Gemilang” (1 House 1 Flag) initiative, to show their love and gratitude for Malaysia.
He said that this year was particularly special for the people of Sabah as, for the first time, Merdeka Day and Sabah Day would be celebrated together officially, following the gazetting of Sabah Day on June 5.
The celebration of National Day and Sabah Day was important for Sabah because it is a time for the people to appreciate the meaning of freedom from decades of colonial rule, he added.
“By flying the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flag at every home, we not only enliven the Merdeka Day atmosphere but also strengthen our bonds as Malaysians," Hajiji said.
Hajiji's speech was delivered by state Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim during the opening of the district-level Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) 2024 programme in Tuaran, about 40km from here, on Friday (Aug 23).
The Chief Minister reminded the people that Merdeka was not just a word with seven letters and three syllables but that it represented so much more.
“Merdeka is the result of a strong determination to redeem the nation's dignity. It is the result of a noble struggle to defend our ancestral land.
"Merdeka represents the pinnacle of a struggle to begin a new fight.
“Merdeka is built on the pillars of history, to create new history. Merdeka is the treasured possession of the nation," said Hajiji.
He also highlighted the importance of the younger generation to embrace the Merdeka spirit, saying it is on their shoulders that the hope for national unity and harmony rests.
"We entrust the younger generation with the responsibility to ensure that the country continues to prosper and remain peaceful,” he said.
