Need To Educate People On Showing Patriotism – Dr Rais

(Bernama) — Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said on Friday Malaysians still depended on Merdeka Day celebrations organised by the government to show their patriotism.

He said it was saddening that many of them thought twice about spending RM3 to buy a small (national) flag.

"We can distribute flags once in a while, but we have to educate the people to be like those in Singapore and Indonesia where love for the country is inculcated through the family," he told reporters after presenting donations to flood victims in Kampung Triang, Kampung Petaling and Kampung Gagu, here.

Ninety-five families were handed the donations which came from the Negeri Sembilan government and Dr Rais himself as the Member of Parliament for Jelebu.

"The people must understand that love for the country must come spontaneously and not through prodding," he said.

Dr Rais said he felt that the spirit of patriotism among the people had to be strengthened and added that he was sure the situation would change for the better.

On the moderate scale of the Merdeka celebration on Aug 31 due to the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, he said the activity to usher in Merdeka at midnight would be of a religious nature.

He said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin would lead worshippers at a mosque, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok at a church, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat at a Chinese temple and MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam at a Hindu temple.

These worshippers would pray for peace and prosperity of the country, he said.

Dr Rais said this would be the first Merdeka Day celebration to focus on the religious aspect and that this would be carried on in the future.