Kuala lumpur: The Sogo shopping complex compound here, usually lively with busking performances, transformed tonight as patriotic tunes enlivened the National Month celebrations. Through the Pentarama Merdeka@HoHo programme, the public not only waved the Jalur Gemilang but also sang patriotic songs to foster love for the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme, organized by the Information Department (JaPen), is now in its third year and continues to serve as a key platform for instilling patriotism and deepening public appreciation for the National Day celebrations. Information director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad noted that although this year's programme was on a more modest scale, it remained lively with enthusiastic public participation, including waving the national flag.
Erwin Khairul Ahmad expressed that the event evoked a lively response even without prior publicity. As they surprised attendees with songs like Faizal Tahir's 'Aku Berjanji', this year's theme song, crowds gathered around, and when the Jalur Gemilang was distributed, the public actively joined in. He emphasized that the celebration proved Malaysians inherently possess deep love for the nation, which must translate into action and participation in patriotic activities.
He highlighted the importance of displaying national pride, stating that the Jalur Gemilang is proof of love for the country and should be shown openly. He urged Malaysians who have yet to fly the Jalur Gemilang to do so as the National Month celebrations approach their climax.
Erwin Khairul announced that the upcoming Pentarama Merdeka@HoHo programme will be held on September 12 at several iconic locations, including Dataran Merdeka and Sungei Wang Plaza. Tonight's event featured three main stops, namely the Sogo Complex, KLCC, and Pavilion, to promote the fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign via the 'One House, One Jalur Gemilang' initiative. He also encouraged the public to join in the National Day celebrations on August 31 at Dataran Putrajaya and the National Day Eve countdown on August 30 at Dataran Merdeka.