PUTRAJAYA – This year’s National Day and Malaysia Day will be celebrated with the theme “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka” (“Malaysia Madani: The Spirit of Independence”), according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi said that the theme aligns with the government’s dedication to advancing the nation and fostering unity among its people.
He said the cabinet has also agreed to use the previous year’s logo for both celebrations this year.
Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka” was selected as the theme for this year’s celebrations as the Malaysia Madani concept represents the nation’s foundation for prosperity and progress, built on six key values.
“‘Jiwa Merdeka’ signifies the liberation of the people from negative influences, embodying the patriotic spirit through intellectual, social, and economic integration. This theme promotes a robust, harmonious, and progressive unity among Malaysians.
“‘Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka’ symbolises the comprehensive unity of a developed and progressive nation, comprised of diverse ethnicities, united in spirit and identity,” Fahmi told a press conference today.
Fahmi, who also chairs the main committee for this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, said the announcement of the logo and theme aimed to publicise them for this year’s celebrations, Bernama reported.
He said the announcement also provided an opportunity for the corporate sector, private entities, non-governmental organisations and other parties to join the government in enlivening the celebrations through their own printed materials and programmes.
On the programmes throughout the National Month, Fahmi said the Communications Ministry, as the main committee for the celebrations, had begun implementing various programmes and activities lined up for the celebrations across the country.
He said the celebrations kicked off with the launch of the Ekspresi Bulan Kebangsaan programme at KL Sentral on May 19, while the launch of the 2024 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign is scheduled to be held on July 13.
“The significance of this launch ceremony is to count down to the 2024 National Day celebration on August 31 in Putrajaya. Subsequently, the momentum of excitement and patriotic spirit will continue to be fostered until the 2024 Malaysia Day celebration on September 16 in Sabah,” he said.
Fahmi also announced other activities scheduled for the celebrations, namely the Jalur Gemilang Merdeka Convoy, which would carry national messages and distribute Malaysian flags at each of its stops; the Langkah Jiwa Merdeka Bersama Membangun Malaysia Madani Programme, the Semarak Gemilang Kita Madani Programme, the inter-ministerial Perkampungan Madani, Jiwa Merdeka Programme and the Pentarama Live Jam.
“Details for all programmes for the National Month celebration can be referred to through the official 2024 HKHM portal at www.merdeka360.my,” he said.
Additionally, Fahmi said the activity of flying the Jalur Gemilang would continue to be promoted through the One House One Jalur Gemilang initiative, which is considered appropriate for translating patriotic spirit within oneself and family members.
For that, he also called on all Malaysians to take pride and decorate their homes with the Jalur Gemilang.
“Let’s fly the Jalur Gemilang in its complete form, not torn, not damaged, and not faded, because the flag is a reflection of ourselves as responsible citizens,” he said. – June 5, 2024