'People must have courage to defend the country, not just shout slogans'

SHAH ALAM - Malaysians are advised to steadfastly uphold the dignity of religion, race, and nation that has been achieved since Aug 31, 1957.

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this, claiming that maintaining the country's independence is not just about shouting slogans but requires bold actions to defend these principles.

"This is because the peace, prosperity, and rapid development we have today did not come about through the sacrifice of a single day.

"Instead, it is a bitter and lengthy sacrifice," he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

The celebration of the 66th National Day, which will be held at Dataran Putrajaya on Thursday, marks the fifth time it is being held at the same location, previously in 2003, 2005, 2018, and 2019.

With the concept of unity and Malaysia's cultural diversity, the event under the Gegar Madani Programme is expected to be colourful and will be further enriched with performances by renowned local artists such as Zizi Kirana, Nadeera Zaini, and Roshini Balachandran.

Ismail Sabri added that Aug 31, 2023, is a sacred date to recall the sacrifices of those who gave their lives, families, and belongings for the sake of the beloved country's independence.

"We need to instill a sense of responsibility towards the country and cultivate a spirit of patriotism and pure identity for our beloved homeland," he added.