Seventy theatres to play national anthem in conjunction with Merdeka

KUALA LUMPUR: Seventy theatres throughout the country will play the national anthem, 'Negaraku', and three promos on the independence before the screening of any film in their premises for three weeks beginning tonight in conjunction with the 57th anniversary of Merdeka.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the move was part of the efforts to instil the spirit of patriotism among Malaysians besides participating in the Merdeka celebrations.

He said that among the theatre chains participating in the program were Cathay Cineplexes, TGV Cinemas, Golden Screen Cinema, Lotus Five Stars Cinemas and MBO Cinemas.

 "This is the second year that we play the national anthem and screen the Merdeka promos. We begin tonight until Sept 16," he said when launching the program at the Cathay Cineplexes, Ecurve, Mutiara Damansara Thursday.

Ahmad Shabery hoped patrons to the theatres would give their cooperation by standing up when the national anthem was being played.

The three promos to be screened are 'Sajak Merdeka', 'Jalur Gemilang' and 'Di sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta' and all these promos were produced by the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas). - Bernama