SHAH ALAM, 31 Aug: The spirit of patriotism possessed by the older generation should be inherited by the young people now in defending the country’s independence, said the Chief Minister, Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Mohamed Azmin, said that past warriors clearly had a high sense of patriotism for the sake of liberating the country from the clutches of foreign invaders.
“We must take advantage of this year’s Merdeka celebration to affirm the pledge and desire as dignified people to renew the spirit of patriotism towards the country.
“Patriotism is not just a slogan and symbol but a spirit that has strong influence on human behaviour to defend the sovereignty of the country and the welfare of the people,” he said in conjunction of the 58th Merdeka Day celebration yesterday.
He said that the struggle to free the country from colonial rule began during the Malaccan Malay Sultanate till Abdul Rahman Limbong in Terengganu, Mat Kilau (Pahang), Mat Salleh (Sarawak), Tok Janggut (Kelantan) and Raja Haji (Selangor).
He said that history cannot be erased when Dr Burhanuddin Helmi together with Tan Cheng Lock worked together with all communities, farmers, merchants and ulamas to form All-Malaya Council of Joint Action (AMCJA) to fight against invaders.
“Our ancestors united until they successfully lowered the Union Jack to be replaced with the Malaysian flag that is flying high until today.
“The state government would like to express appreciation for the significant contributions of freedom fighters and the security forces, including the army and police, where some of them have died in defending the dignity and sovereignty of the country,” he said.
He said that the rise of the nation from colonial rule to establish an independent country is seen as a fight full of patriotism shown by the previous generation, so much so they were willing to sacrifice their lives.
NS
