KOTA KINABALU: Understanding the country's history is crucial for nurturing a patriotic spirit, especially among the younger generation, says a Sabah leader.
Tandek assemblyman Datuk Hendrus Anding said from his observation, many youths lacked such a spirit.
"Maybe it's because they are not familiar with the history of Sabah and Malaysia," he said after officiating the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) in SMK Tandek on Wednesday (Aug 20).
"They have little knowledge of past leaders and events that shaped this nation.
“So that could be among the reasons why they lack a deeper sense of love and appreciation for the country."
Hendrus, who is also state Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister, said this is why the government conducts programmes to expose youths to history in the hope that knowledge will build appreciation for the country.
He said such activities must be held more aggressively and proactively to instil a spirit of patriotism.
Guests at the event were welcomed with choral performances of patriotic songs such as Setia (Loyal) and Sabah Id Ginawoku (Sabah in my heart).
Sabah Information Department director Jainisah Mohd Noor said the ongoing KMJG convoy aims to bring the spirit of patriotism to every part of the state.
She said it was also to encourage the people to show their love for the country by flying the Jalur Gemilang at home, business premises and offices.
“We want to make our National and Sabah Day more festive, meaningful and inclusive,” she said.
The KMJG convoy, which set out on Aug 1, involves some 20 government and private agencies visiting 75 checkpoints statewide over a journey of 2,500km.
