Respect national anthem, flag — Abdul Karim

August 5, 2015 

Abdul Karim poses for a group photo with those involved in the launching of Samarahan/Asajaya district-level ‘Jalur Gemilang’ roadshow.

ASAJAYA: The national anthem and the national flag ‘Jalur Gemilang’ must be respected every time it is played or raised in public places.

This is because they reflect our national identity and sovereignty, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.

In fact, he added, everyone must stand still when the national anthem ‘Negara Ku’ is played and sing it together with full dedication and spirit of patriotism.

Likewise, he said further, when the Jalur Gemilang is raised everybody must respect it. He also reminded that the national flag must not be placed anywhere and should never be stepped on.

The Asajaya assemblyman said this in his speech before the launching of Samarahan/Asajaya district-level ‘Jalur Gemilang Roadshow’ themed ‘Explorasi Malaysia Sehati Sejiwa’ at Kampung Sebandi Ulu, here yesterday.

On the roadshow organised by state Information Department, Abdul Karim said it is to instil the spirit of patriotism among all Sarawakians.

“In Asajaya, the spirit of patriotism is very good and every year I felt it in every village here and I hope all our community leaders encourage their villagers to raise the national flag until September 16 – Malaysia Day.”

Chong’s posting on national anthem rattles political leaders

September 18, 2014

KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen’s statement to denounce the playing of Negara Ku in cinemas on Malaysia Day has received angry reaction from political leaders.

Chong, in his Facebook page, among others wrote, “Is Malaysia heading towards the communist Mao era where everywhere you go, you must shout loud and show that you are patriotic?”

Chong has subsequently apologised for his comment and subsequently retracted the posting.

Chief political secretary to Chief Minister Abdullah Saidol, said although Chong has apologised and retracted the posting, the first impression mattered most.

“I am surprise and disgusted at the same time over the comment and attitude of a Malaysian citizen, who is an elected representative. Although he (Chong) subsequently acknowledged his comment as inappropriate, his first impression about the subject (national anthem) counts,” Abdullah said.

The Semop assemblyman said many people have read the comment, and Chong should be ashamed of himself.

“How dare he (Chong) compare us to Mao’s communist era,” Abdullah said, adding it was not wrong to stand for a few minutes in cinemas while the National Anthem was playing.

Abdullah believed many people were able to judge by themselves the despicable attitude shown by Chong and that “speaks loud about who he is and what he represents”.