MELAKA: Over 10,000 people from all walks of life joined the ‘Ekspresi Negaraku’ programme at Dataran Pahlawan in Bandar Hilir yesterday.
Various activities were held throughout the programme, including the three-kilometre Negaraku Flag Run around the historical city, which began as early as 6.30 am.
Melaka is the sixth location of the ‘Ekspresi Negaraku’ programme, which aimed at inculcating the spirit of patriotism among Malaysians especially the youths, after the national-level launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Putrajaya on March 18.
Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, who is also Tangga Batu Member of Parliament, said the number of people participating in the programme today proved the harmonious ties and solidarity among the multi-racial society in Malaysia, especially in Melaka.
“We should be grateful for what we have today and we need to preserve it for the next generation.
“Melaka, for example, is popular as a tourism state and this cannot be achieved in a short period of time.
It requires consistent efforts and high commitment from both the federal and state governments,” he told reporters after officiating the programme here.
Meanwhile, prominent historian Prof Datuk Dr Ramlah Abas, who was crowned as Melaka’s Negaraku Icon, described the organising of the programme as an effort capable of bringing about positive impact, as well as boosting the spirit of patriotism, among the people, especially among the youths.
“The approach of involving prominent figures, such as historians, academicians, and sportsmen in the programme has also helped in strengthening the people’s love for the country and making them feel appreciated.
“This programme should be consistently organised in future,” she added. – BERNAMA