2016 Merdeka, Malaysia Day celebrations to retain ‘Sehati, sejiwa’ theme

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Last year’s ‘Sehati, Sejiwa’ (One Heart, One Soul) theme has been retained for this year’s celebration of National Day and Malaysia Day.

This was announced today by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak after chairing a meeting of the National Day and Malaysia Day 2016 Celebrations Main Committee at Angkasapuri.

Salleh said the theme could enhance the people’s spirit of patriotism and love for the country based on their acceptance of and involvement in past National Day and Malaysia Day programmes.

“The theme, logo and song are being retained for this year’s celebrations. The use of the term ‘Hari Kebangsaan’ (National Day) without mention of the number of years is also being retained,” he said.

The programmes for the National Month and Malaysia Day, to be held from July to October, include MERDEKA@community, launch of the ‘Bulan Kebangsaan’ (National Month) and flying of the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ (National Flag), ‘Doa Untuk Malaysia’ (Prayers for Malaysia), ‘Kayuhan Sehati Sejiwa’ (One Heart, One Soul Cycling), Merdeka Carnival, ‘Amanat Hari Kebangsaan’ (National Day Message), National Day 2016 Parade and Malaysia Day 2016 celebration.  

Salleh also said that organising the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations did not rest solely on the government, and called on corporate organisations and NGOs to join hands in holding programmes.

“The concept of the Independence Day is ours all together, and all quarters should get involved in the festivities,” he said.

He said all quarters should emphasise the celebrations because it was feared that there would be competition in terms of a globalised approach towards the spirit of nationalism in view of the progress of a world of technology without borders.

“As we are in a digital world, there will be a tendency to forget that we are a nation; this is something that we should cultivate in our younger generation.

“Let’s not have global nationalism override our love for the National Day,” he said.

Salleh also said it was important that the people were grateful for the peace they enjoyed today, and they should work together to develop the country.

In the context of unity, the people did not necessarily have to have the same views in politics as it was more important to ensure that the country was peaceful and stable, he said. — Bernama