PLT Loyalty and Love for Country

He said without a strong sense of patriotism for one’s country, the citizens could become weak and hence would be susceptible to negative elements which could eventually destroy the country, he said when speaking at the launching of the state level Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign held in conjunction with the 53rd Merdeka Months celebrations at the stadium, here.

 

Jabu was representing the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

 

On the contrary, Jabu added, if the citizens placed the interest of the nation above oneself, then the country would not only be progressive, but the people would also be prosperous and satisfied with their achievements.

“That is part of what the concept of 1Malaysia is all about”, he said to some 5000 people who converged at the stadium.

 

He was also of the opinion that every citizen should also be thankful to their leaders and for being Malaysians as the country and the state continued to enjoy progress and peace and where everyone was free to choose his own way of earning a honest living.

 

“This is what the government meant by the slogan People First, Performance Now,” he said.

 

The Deputy Chief Minister said therefore it was imperative that racial unity and harmony should prevail in the country lest it would disrupt the development of the country.

 

To the younger generations, he advised them to study hard in pursuit of excellence in education and to work diligently and be competent to contribute to nation building.

 

He said the state needed workers who were good in technical know-how to contribute towards the success of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and other industries.

 

SCORE which would be fully operational in the next ten years would be able to employ thousands of people and so was the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub, he added.

 

He also said the younger generation were leaders of tomorrow as they would be the ones who would take over the helm of the state.

 

Jabu also touched on the importance of the adhering to the principles of the Rukun Negara to ensure positive development and advancement in the state.

 

On the good federal-state relationship, Jabu said ti had helped Sarawak to become more developed as testified by the frequent visits of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak to the rural areas such as Long Banga, Nanga Tada in Kanowit, Ulu Lachau, Simunjan, Kampung Pichin near Serian and Saratok.

 

This showed the premier really wanted to see that Sarawak would be as developed as the other states, he pointed out.

 

Earlier, Deputy State Secretary, Datu Ose Murang in his welcoming speech said the activities lined up for the event were aimed at enhancing the spirit of patriotism and nationalism among the people and also to enhance rapport among them.

 

Calling on the people to fly the Jalur Gemilang, he said, it was the priority of every citizen to fly the national flag to mark the independence month celebrations, adding that it should not only be done during the Merdeka month.

 

Activities such as a mass aerobic, hibiscus planting and a concert were also held to mark the event, he added.

 

Ose was representing the State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohd. Morshidi Abdul Ghani.

 

Later at the function, Jabu received the Jalur Gemilang from the leader of the Semarak Merdeka runners, Hot Kameri and subsequently the flag-raising ceremony by personnel and officers from the Royal Malaysian Navy was held in the accompaniment of the Negara Ku anthem.

 

Later, Jabu presented the Jalur Gemilang to the heads of federal and state government departments and the private sectors, all divisional residents and community leaders.

 

Leading the recipients was the Deputy Director of the Malaysian Information Department, Sharifah Mariam Syed Dawilah who representd the federal government.

 

Special performances by Adi of Mentor 4 fame and Iban singer, Swaylin added embellishment to the event.

 

Finally, a ten-minute fireworks display lighted the night skies over Betong and thrilled all those who were present.

 

Among those present were Senator Dato Sri Empiang Jabu, Deputy Transport Minister, Jelaing Mersat, Assistant Minister for Housing, Abdul Wahab Aziz, Assistant Minister for Agriculture Datuk Peter Nyarok, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Mong Dagang, Deputy State Secretary, Datu Abdul Ghafur Sharif and Betong Resident Datu Romie Sigan Daniel.