National Day should be celebrated with sense of awareness, responsibility

He said this celebration could instil patriotism, the spirit of love and affection for the country to Malaysians, especially the youth.

"The people should appreciate the fruits of independence and the contributions and sacrifices of past generations need to be remembered as they are responsible for moulding the peace and prosperity of the nation.

"The independence we have is the results of the struggles of our forefathers. Hence we must be united regardless of race, gender and age to ensure our independence is preserved," he said at the opening of the Pre-Merdeka Festival in IOI City Mall here today.

He said the government had implemented various efforts to boost national development and would continue to improve the well-being of the people.

On the festival, he said the one-day festival, being held by BTN with the cooperation of the Housing and Local Government Ministry, was one of its activities during the National Month.