Kuala lumpur: Malaysians are urged to use images of the Jalur Gemilang responsibly and with due sensitivity to preserve the dignity and respect of the national flag. Deputy Director of the Communication Services and Community Development Division at the Department of Information Malaysia (JAPEN), Faizal Adanan, stressed the importance of mindful display of the Jalur Gemilang, especially on social media, to avoid confusion or diminishing respect for this national symbol.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Faizal emphasized that while certain camera functions, like front-facing cameras used for selfies, may automatically mirror images causing the flag to appear reversed, users should ensure the correct orientation before sharing publicly. He noted the serious implications of intentionally displaying the flag upside down, which could lead to misunderstandings, public anger, and offense, as the Jalur Gemilang symbolizes the nation's sovereignty and dignity.
Faizal highlighted that the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations are for all Malaysians, transcending race, religion, or political affiliation, and encouraged citizens to fly the national flag as a sign of patriotism. Reflecting on the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, he noted the theme, "Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati", which underscores the government's commitment to enhancing well-being and strengthening the economy. He also mentioned Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil's announcement on June 26, retaining the Malaysia MADANI logo for the celebrations, emphasizing the importance of continuity in conveying the administration's aspirations.
Faizal announced the launch of the 2026 National Month celebration and the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign, set for July 19 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Ministry of Health Training Institute in Ipoh, Perak. The event will feature performances including drum ensembles and choir presentations, alongside the unveiling of the official 2026 HKHM theme song. He added that the public can anticipate a surprise announcement regarding the new theme song's singer and title on July 19. The launch ceremony will be broadcast live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), the official social media platforms of the Ministry of Communications and JAPEN, and the Merdeka360 portal.