KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil wants all Malaysians to wave the Jalur Gemilang with pride and courage during National Month.
“Be brave when you wave your flag. Do not let any party threaten or intimidate you for putting up the flag,” he told a press conference at an arts and culture empowerment programme in Pantai Dalam here on Sunday (Aug 17).
Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi, who launched the programme, urged Malaysians not to just stand by and make an issue viral, but to be present and help sort out the matter.
“Previously, I saw my neighbour’s Jalur Gemilang was slanting and was scared it would fall, so I went to help her (raise it) properly,” he said.
Fahmi was referring to the recent incident in Penang where the national flag was hoisted upside down outside a hardware store in Kepala Batas, Bertam.
“Let's remember to always understand each other, maintain a harmonious environment, and obey the rules as we approach Merdeka.
“We shouldn't... bully each other on this issue,” he said, adding that Bertam assemblyman Reezal Merican Naina Merican handled the issue properly.
The two-day empowerment programme aims to rekindle society's love for traditional arts and culture, especially among the younger generation.
A troupe of secondary schoolgirls, silat performers from the Tun Perak Cimandi Silat Arts Association, saw the event as an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Participant Vivi Valentina Abdul Muiz Asyraf, 18, said she and her fellow performers, who are from Cheras, were eager to use the platform to develop and promote their association.
People's Housing Programme (PPR) residents from various districts attended the event, which also provided business opportunities.
A resident from Pantai Ria sold homemade snacks such as pudding, as well as beverages.
“This is how we can make money... we need to look for events like this and work to expand our businesses,” said Rosniza Mat Rashid, 52, a mother of four.
Similarly, Rosilawati Ali, 42 civil servant from PPR Lembah Pantai, came to sell cut fruits with her family.
“I wanted to earn a little extra, but more than that, I’ve always enjoyed running a small business,” she said.
Fahmi also distributed Sumbangan Madani aid to 10 families in the form of a cheque and a bag of household items each.
One recipient, 63-year-old Nandhini, said that she was happy to receive this financial aid from the government.
“It will help me cut some expenses and buy things for the house," she added.
