National Day spirit kept alive through #MomenNegaraku - Saifuddin

Even though there will be no National Day parade this year, the celebration of the country's independence anniversary has been enlivened by the sharing of photographs of Malaysians’ expressions of gratitude and patriotism on various social media platforms.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said those photographs were shared using the hashtag #MomenNegaraku launched by the ministry.

While calling on the public to continue to do so, the minister said it was just another way to keep the National Day spirit alive in the new norm amid COVID-19.

“We have launched the #MomenNegaraku initiative so that Malaysians can share their best moments as the citizens of the country by using the hashtag on every photograph they posted on social media.

“Even though there will be no National Day parade this year, we have a lot of people participating in this initiative on social media,” he told reporters today after inspecting the preparations for the 2020 National Day celebration at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Precinct 1, here.

The minister said the two-day rehearsal, including one tomorrow, was conducted to ensure the smooth running of the National Day celebration, which will be held while complying to the new norm, with the theme “Malaysia Prihatin” (Malaysia Cares).

“I find the preparations in terms of the venue and technical aspects almost complete. I am confident that, by tomorrow, everything will be perfect,” he said.

Saifuddin said as the country is still facing the threat of the COVID-19, the National Day celebration this year will be simpler.

“We are grateful that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have agreed to grace the celebration on Aug 31,” he said.

On Aug 31, a brief programme has been arranged, namely the arrival of Their Majesties at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, a royal salute and a guard-of-honour inspection, followed by a Royal Address on the National Day and the 50th Anniversary of the Rukun Negara.

The King and Queen will later proceed to watch the live streaming of National Day celebration by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) on a big screen.

-- BERNAMA