Shabery dissapointed with response for fly the jalur gemilang campaign

The Communications and Multimedia Minister on Sunday expressed disappointment at the poor response towards fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign, held in conjunction with the 56th Independence Day.

Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek stressed that Malaysians should emulate their counterparts in neighbouring countries who were always enthusiastic about flying their country's flag during their independence month, to show their love for their respective countries.

Regarding the country as a bit behind in such matters, Ahmad Shabery said the ministry would scrutinize pro-active steps which could be implemented to boost the spirit of the people to wave the Malaysian flag.

Following the lackadaisical attitude shown by society this year, he said: "I wish to suggest a study be made before drawing up a law under the local authorities which can ensure all quarters have a feeling of responsibility to wave the Jalur Gemilang, especially during the month of independence."

He was talking at a press conference on the Harmony and Unity concert which combined Malaysian and Indonesian artistes, including Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and Rossa.

Ahmad Shabery said from next year, a method on the implementation of the Jalur Gemilang would be launched by the ministry so that government quarters, starting in Putrajaya, would wave the national flag, followed by private sector premises and individuals.

"For all the benefits of independence and harmony enjoyed all these while, we are only asking for a little sacrifice, namely, to fly the flag.

"After more than 50 years of independence, is it still necessary to be asked to fly the flag?" he said.

In the meantime, efforts to boost the spirit of patriotism among the communities continued with the distribution of more than 10,000 Jalur Gemilang to visitors, traders and taxi drivers around Bukit Bintang, on Sunday.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Multimedia Datuk Jailani Johari, who was met by reporters at the '2013 Pocket Show' that was organised by the Information Department, said he hoped the distribution of the Jalur Gemilang during the programme could boost patriotism at all levels of the society.