Maintain racial harmony to ensure country’s on the right track, Kunak folks told
Published on: Friday, August 19, 2022
By: Ibrahim Tabir
Awang receiving a memento from Kunak official Jusman Hedoh.
KUNAK: KUNAK District Officer Awang Mohd Yusoff calls on the community to maintain racial harmony by sowing the seeds of nationalism and patriotism as well as by encouraging solidarity among the different races.“Racial harmony will strengthen the sovereignty and progress of the nation,” he said when launching the Merdeka Month organised by the Information Department.
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“The National Day celebration each year together with its various activities centred on patriotism and nationalism among Malaysians,” he said.
He added that as citizens, we should be grateful and feel lucky that we are part of a nation which is independent and sovereign.
“With Independence, Malaysians can now live in peace and harmony, progressive and compromising among each other,” he added.
Present at the function were heads of State and Federal departments and agencies including uniformed personnel, non-governmental organisations and community leaders.
Awang delivering his speech at the event.
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The ceremony began with the singing of the national and state anthems, the Negaraku and Sabah Tanah Airku.
Continuing, the District Officer said unity is something which the people should appreciate and not take for granted.
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“As such, we should preserve this unity at all costs so that we can continue to enjoy the fruits of independence,” he said.
He added that the flying of the national flag or Jalur Gemilang will be able to raise our spirit and make us continue to be proud to be Malaysians.
“The war that is going on in certain parts of the world causing loss to lives and properties should serve as a lesson to us not to take things for granted,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Awang Mohd Yusoff, in welcoming the Kembara Merdeka Keluarga Malaysia (KMKM) 2022 convoy to Kampung Lormalong, said the current generation should instil the spirit of love and affection for the country and should begin applying it from an early age so that they have the commitment to defend the country.
This, according to him, must be demonstrated by preserving the nation’s honour and reputation, fostering a caring attitude among the community, and protecting the Jalur Gemilang as a representation of national identity.
Awang handing over the Jalur Gemilang.
“Let us remind ourselves to be more attentive about the Jalur Gemilang around us as we maintain our solidarity as one Malaysian family.
“Take the initiative to buy and replace it with a new Jalur Gemilang if you find one that is worn out or ripped, or notify the property owner to have the flag replaced with a new one,” he advised.
According to him, the mindset of expecting a “free flag” from the government or non-governmental organisations every August needs to change because all parties participate in commemorating National Month and Independence Day.
He believes that coexisting in harmony with people of many races and nationalities is a great blessing.
It must be fostered and ingrained, he added, “so that Malaysia’s independence can be preserved eternally even if one’s health, life, or dignity are at risk.”
According to him, Malaysians ought to be appreciative of and proud of their country’s independence, which enables them to live in harmony, peace, and prosperity.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Information Department for its efforts to promote the observance of Malaysia’s annual National Month for the people of this state and Malaysians in general.
He extended his appreciation to the Komuniti Keluarga Malaysia Kampung Lormalong and villagers for their efforts and commitment in enlivening and making the programme a success.
“This shows the spirit of local community cooperation that can strengthen ties of friendship, understanding and warmth as a plural Malaysian Family”, he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Information Department official, Razif Hashim who is also the KMKM 2022 convoy head said a total of 17 vehicles with 50 participants involving 11 agencies took part in the convoy which started in Papar district on August 9.
The convoy has stopped in several districts including Beaufort, Sipitang, Tenom, Keningau, Nabawan, Tawau, and Semporna.
The convoy arrived in Kunak on August 13 before continuing its tour to Lahad Datu and Sandakan and its next destination.
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