By Maryam Nasir
PUTRAJAYA, 31 August 2021: Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today urged Malaysians to embrace the theme of the 2021 National Day celebrations.
This year’s theme is “Malaysia Prihatin,” which is the same as last year’s (caring Malaysia).
The Prime Minister stated on his official Facebook page that caring is a quality that must be present in every community in the country.
“When we care about something, we empathise with others. When we care, we think about our community’s safety and well-being. When we care about something, we band together to fight the country’s enemies.
“As a result, we must embrace the theme and be compassionate. I am confident that if we all take care of each other, Malaysia will be able to break the COVID-19 chain (of transmission) and continue to be peaceful and prosperous, “he stated.
The Prime Minister also wished Happy National Day 2021 to all Malaysians.
The 64th National Day celebrations took place in Putrajaya’s Dataran Pahlawan Negara under new normal conditions.
Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri was unable to attend the celebration in person because he has been in self-quarantine since being identified as a close contact of a Covid-19 patient. However, he was able to participate in the celebration through online platform.
Besides, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today also called on Malaysians to recall the spirit of patriotism and love for the homeland that has been ingrained for the past six decades.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said that it was the spirit that had united the people with determination and commitment to rise up against the colonialists until the desired Independence became a reality, according to a media statement issued by Istana Negara today.
Despite the fact that the people are celebrating National Day for the second year in a row in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic threat, the Agong believes that this does not prevent or break the spirit of patriotism and unity among all parties from continuing to commemorate this historic day.
Comptroller of the Royal Household, Dato’ Indera Ahmad Fadil said, His Majesty expressed the view that if the spirit of struggle six decades ago is inculcated and nurtured again today, surely the country will also be able to be free from the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic forever.
Both the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah prayed that Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala would keep this beloved country safe from all calamities, including the COVID-19 pandemic. ***