CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants all quarters, including those in private sector, to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their respective premises in conjunction with the national month celebration.
He said the move would signify the people's loyalty and sacrifice in upholding the spirit of the country's independence for the past 67 years.
"From today, the Madani community, every department, every citizen, restaurants and stalls, the poor, the rich, and those in the city or rural areas must demonstrate that you are one with the independence spirit (Jiwa Merdeka) in glorifying Malaysia.
"(With the move), I believe that we can give a clear message about how difficult it was for the people back then who had to sacrifice everything (in gaining independence).
"This included our great-grandmothers and mothers who had to pawn their accessories to fund the struggle," he said in his speech at the launch of the National Month and Fly Jalur Gemilang 2024 celebrations today.
Present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Themed 'Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka', Anwar said, the National Day celebration this year must showcase the nation and people's pride in celebrating the national month.
He said this year's celebration should also be a new mark for the people to elevate Malaysia as a glorious country.
"We are not asking for rings or watches like what was done by our ancestors (in the struggle to gain independence).
"What I am asking for is (for Malaysians) to fly the Jalur Gemilang, (so) if there are those who refuse, send my regards to them.
"This is not an issue of race, party, position or occupation, but rather a matter of identity, dignity and self-worth. This is a nation that, upon gaining independence, should see the flag widely flown across the country," he said.
At the government level, the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Zuki Ali will help to monitor all government departments to fly the Jalur Gemilang, he said.
"Meanwhile, in terms of the private sector, their contribution is significant and cannot be underestimated, but sometimes they consider the matter as trivial.
"(But) I want to tell them that if this country is not peaceful, their businesses will not be profitable.
"Without the sacrifices of the police and military at the borders, there would be no new investments. So, show your support and commitment."
Commenting further, Anwar also reminded the youth to comprehend the true meaning of independence the country has achieved over the years.
He said the people had given their blood, sweat, tears, and made sacrifices in order to achieve independence.
"But not all generations are asked to do the same. We are not asking for sacrifices of blood as that (security aspects of the country) has been assigned to the security forces at the borders and the seas.
"It also does not affect our lives in the cities, villages, and rural areas.
"(And) this is why Malaysia Madani is meant to fulfil the independence spirit as there is no meaning to the independence if the type leadership that we choose is no different from colonisers who use power to rob the country's wealth."
The National Day celebration this year will take place in Putrajaya for the second time under the Madani government, while Malaysia Day will be celebrated in Sabah.
This will be the sixth time the National Day celebration is hosted in Putrajaya.