Manifest love for country in daily life, urges Mukhriz

Patriotism should be manifested in one's daily life and community living in order to preserve the prevailing racial unity.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir said independence cannot be separated from progress and unity, and all these criteria combined would produce a peaceful and prosperous country.

"Love for the country should be manifested in daily life. It should be present in community life, race relations, cooperation in various fields and in enhancing well-being for all.

"As an independent nation, we are free to organize and govern according to our style. But there is no peace without unity and there will certainly be no prosperity without peace. But unity must be safeguarded at all times as it is the key which frees us from the shackles of colonialism," he said at the launch of the 56th Merdeka Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign at Dataran Zero, here tonight.

The function was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, with about 50,000 people crowding the venue to witness the national level launch which was held for the first time in Kedah.

He said the Jalur Gemilang was not just a piece of coloured and patterned cloth but a symbol of national sovereignty, which should be respected and upheld in appreciation of the true meaning of independence and freedom.

Every segment of society should play a role in enlivening the Independence month celebrations with an unflagging spirit, he added.

"Do not let the month pass by in a dull manner. Prove that we are proud to be Malaysians," he said.