KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The spirit of patriotism among Malaysians should be nurtured consistently throughout the year through media content, community programmes and the involvement of various stakeholders, rather than only during National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations, say experts.
Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) professor Datuk Prof Dr Azizul Halim Yahya said efforts to cultivate love for the nation should become part of daily life instead of being confined to seasonal campaigns centred on August.
He said the media was a powerful platform in shaping public opinion, and had a responsibility to continue producing content that promoted patriotism, unity and national identity.
"The media can play a significant role in strengthening patriotism because it reaches people from all walks of life. The content delivered should be positive and capable of inspiring love for the country," he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme here today.
According to Azizul Halim, with social media enabling the rapid dissemination of information, cooperation between traditional media and digital platforms should be strengthened to ensure credible and impactful content reaches the public.
He said many stories highlighting unity, mutual assistance, the success of Malaysia's multiracial society and community activities took place every day, but not all were featured as news.
"Patriotism is not confined to National Day celebrations. Many everyday activities reflect love for the country, but we need to identify and frame them in ways that inspire the public," he said.
Azizul Halim also proposed producing more patriotism-themed content in formats that resonated with the public, including dramas, films, documentaries, history quizzes and patriotic song competitions, to deliver the message more creatively, particularly to the younger generation.
Meanwhile, UiTM political and social media analyst Assoc Prof Dr Sara Chinnasamy said efforts to foster patriotism also required the cooperation of all parties, including educational institutions, community organisations and local communities.
She said social media platforms should be utilised more effectively through creative content such as digital campaigns, virtual museums, historical documentaries, online competitions and community programmes involving participation from people of different races and generations.
"Such an approach will not only strengthen the spirit of patriotism, but also encourage active public participation in fostering unity and national identity from a young age," she said.
-- BERNAMA