The Jalur Gemilang is more than a national flag flown during the Merdeka celebrations, as it represents a country that belongs to and is shared by all Malaysians, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said.
The Sultan said Malaysians should take pride in the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of national unity that brings people together regardless of race, religion, language, political beliefs or background.
He stressed that patriotism should not be limited to flying the national flag, but should also be reflected through efforts to build a country where people respect one another, embrace differences and live together in harmony.
“Although we differ in race, religion, language, political beliefs and background, the Jalur Gemilang reminds us that we are still citizens of the same country.
“This flag belongs to all of us. We should be proud of it because it is a symbol of national unity.
“Flying thousands of Jalur Gemilang throughout the Merdeka month is easy. However, the much greater task is to build a Malaysia where people of every race, religion and background truly feel respected, accepted and proud to be Malaysian,” he said in a statement issued by Istana Alam Shah today.
Sultan Sharafuddin also reminded Malaysians that the spirit of Independence Day should include remembering and appreciating those who have dedicated their lives to bringing communities together and narrowing differences.
At the same time, he called for younger generations to be taught to respect people from different religions, races and cultures.
“The Jalur Gemilang does not distinguish between Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan-Dusun, Iban or any other race. Nor does it distinguish between Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus or people of any other faith,” he said.
The Sultan also urged political leaders and politicians to set a positive example by practising moderation, tolerance and compassion, rather than using political, racial or religious differences as a reason to divide the people.
He called on Malaysians to use the 69th Merdeka anniversary celebrations as an opportunity to strengthen national unity, solidarity and mutual respect.
“Independence is not merely something to be celebrated, and the flag is not merely something to be flown. The true value of both lies in our ability to preserve a country where everyone can live together peacefully, respect one another and remain united,” he stressed.
Earlier, a ceremony to raise the Jalur Gemilang was held at Dataran Selangor, with the flag hoisted by a Royal Malaysian Navy Panji-Panji Bintara and witnessed by Selangor Tengku Laksamana Tengku Sulaiman Shah.
Sultan Sharafuddin has also consented to the Jalur Gemilang being flown at the Selangor State Flagpole until Sept 17 in conjunction with Malaysia’s 69th Independence anniversary celebrations.
