KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The Sogo shopping complex compound here, usually lively with busking performances, transformed tonight as patriotic tunes enlivened the National Month celebrations.
Through the Pentarama Merdeka@HoHo programme, the public not only waved the Jalur Gemilang but also sang patriotic songs to foster love for the country.
Organised by the Information Department (JaPen), the programme, now in its third year, continues to serve as a key platform for instilling patriotism and deepening public appreciation for the National Day celebrations.
Information director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad said that although this year’s programme was on a more modest scale, it remained lively with enthusiastic public participation, including waving the national flag.
“Tonight, we saw a lively response even without prior publicity. When we arrived and surprised them with songs like Faizal Tahir’s ‘Aku Berjanji’, this year’s theme song, crowds gathered around.
“When we distributed the Jalur Gemilang to wave together, the public actively joined in,” he told reporters after the Pentarama Merdeka@HoHo programme at the Sogo Complex tonight.
He said the celebration proved Malaysians inherently possess deep love for the nation, but that feeling must translate into action and participation in patriotic activities.
“The Jalur Gemilang is proof of our love for the country, so we must display it. Do not keep that love hidden. We must show that Malaysia is the only country truly worthy of our love,” he said.
In line with this, Erwin Khairul advised Malaysians who have yet to fly the Jalur Gemilang to do so as the National Month celebrations approach their climax.
He added that the upcoming Pentarama Merdeka@HoHo programme will be held on Sept 12 at several iconic locations, including Dataran Merdeka and Sungei Wang Plaza.
Tonight’s event featured three main stops, namely the Sogo Complex, KLCC, and Pavilion, to promote the fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign via the ‘One House, One Jalur Gemilang’ initiative.
He also urged the public to join in enlivening the National Day celebrations on Aug 31 at Dataran Putrajaya and the National Day Eve countdown on Aug 30 at Dataran Merdeka.
-- BERNAMA