MELAKA: Political flags, step aside. That’s the order of the Melaka Chief Minister who wants only the Jalur Gemilang to fly high and mighty to honour the coming National Day.
Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said politics would take a backseat until the state-level National Day celebration and programmes concluded.
He said the immediate priority was to instil patriotism and strengthen the spirit of Merdeka among the people.
Ab Rauf invited leaders of all coalition parties wishing to forge a pact with Melaka Barisan Nasional to join the three-day state-level National Day celebration at Dataran 1Malaysia in Klebang from tomorrow.
“Let us witness performances by our multi-ethnic communities and the Armed Forces while appreciating the harmony we enjoy in Melaka,” he said in an interview.
Ab Rauf, who is the Melaka Barisan and state Umno chief, said he hoped the state’s multicultural character would be respected and preserved by all political parties.
He urged party leaders to refrain from raising sensitive issues involving race and religion.
“I hope leaders from all political parties will join us and witness with pride Malaysians of all races coming together on National Day,” he said.
Ab Rauf said the state government had made extensive preparations for the celebration, including working closely with the Armed Forces to bring Royal Malaysian Navy vessels to the waters off the historic city.
He said KD Terengganu, KD Gempita and KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin would be joined by another warship, the KD Lekir.
Ab Rauf said the vessels would offer the public a rare opportunity to view the country’s naval assets up close.
Their presence, he said, was also intended to foster patriotism and heighten public appreciation for the role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation.
The Chief Minister said the patriotic programmes would continue with a youth carnival from Sept 4 to Sept 6 which was expected to attract about 50,000 participants.
He said the carnival organised under the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) initiative, would feature various activities aimed at engaging the young throughout the state.
“A total of 20,000 specially designed T-shirts will be distributed to participants, while about 2,000 exclusive Melaka-themed motorcycle helmets will be offered as lucky-draw prizes,” he added.
Meanwhile, businessman Datuk Chew Chert Fong said he would distribute hundreds of miniature Jalur Gemilang to locals in support of the state-level celebration.
He said historic city’s National Day celebrations had intensified over the past two years, moving beyond the customary processions.
“I grew up watching processions during the National Day celebrations and now it has been elevated to a different level.
“Last year, we witnessed Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets performing a flypast and this year, we will have the rare opportunity to view warships as well,” he added.
