To help enliven the upcoming National Day (Aug 31) under the new normal, the Information Department is organising 11 national-level programmes as a platform for citizens to celebrate the historic day.

Deputy director-general (Digital Content) of the Information Department Hashim Bedu said although this year's celebration was different due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the joy of the celebration would nonetheless be felt through holding these patriotic programmes.

"Within the limitations, our joy and enthusiasm to make the National Month celebration a success and to instil a patriotic spirit among the people will not be taken away, even though we are not having the large-scale parade that we usually had in previous years.

"... the public can participate in the programmes which have been implemented and at least express their love for the country by participating in these competitions," he said as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme entitled "Malaysia Prihatin", which was aired last night.

He said among the 11 programmes are Merdeka @ Komuniti, Smule 2020 Patriotic Star Competition, Merdeka Poetry Competition, KLIK@Merdeka Photography Competition and "Pentarama Live Jam Edisi Merdeka".

-- BERNAMA