KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- A local Chinese leader has urged the
Chinese community in the country to fly the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) in
celebration of Malaysia''s 55th Merdeka Day to show their patriotism.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM)
deputy president Datuk Ter Leong Yap said the gesture would reflect that they
are just as patriotic as any other race in the country.
"It is a simple thing which everyone born and bred in Malaysia, including
the Chinese, can afford to do," he told Bernama here today.
Furthermore, he said, flying the national flag would be a display of the
unity that exists among citizens of various races and ethnic diversity in
Malaysia.
"Such understanding and trust among the people would certainly be an
affirmation of the country''s strength," he added.
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PATRIOTISM-FLAG 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR
According to Ter, the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chamber of Commerce and
Industry under the ACCCIM have been collaborating with Malay-language daily
Berita Harian to foster better understanding among the races by organising
various activities involving the non-Chinese communities.
Meanwhile, Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia (Hua Zong)
president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah said the Chinese community can express their
patriotism not merely by flying the Jalur Gemilang but in other ways as well.
"They should always maintain the mindset that Independence Day is a
significant day that should be celebrated, and flying the Jalur Gemilang is part
of the preparation," he said.
Pheng had earlier expressed his appreciation to the government for approving
the construction of a national-type private secondary school in Kuantan and
abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA), besides other policies that had
benefited the community.
He said it was the people''s hope that their voice and views would be heard
by the government and the people should rightly show their appreciation when the
government resolves their problems.
-- BERNAMA
WCH HK ELM MGN
