SEJARAH JALUR GEMILANG
1. Penciptaan Bendera Persekutuan Tanah Melayu Telah Diilhamkan Melalui Satu Pertandingan Mereka Cipta Bendera Peringkat Kebangsaan Pada Mei 1948.
2. Seramai 373 Karyawan Telah Mengambil Bahagian Dalam Pertandingan Tersebut Dan Telah Melalui Proses Pemilihan Serta Pertimbangan.
3. Pada November 1949, Hanya Tiga Reka Bentuk Yang Berjaya Dipilih Ke Peringkat Akhir.
4. Reka Bentuk Seorang Arkitek Jabatan Kerja Raya Negeri Johor, Encik Mohamed Bin Hamzah Telah Mendapat Majoriti Dan Perkenan Mesyuarat Majlis Raja-Raja Pada 22 Dan 23 Februari 1950.
5. Walau Bagaimanapun, Reka Bentuk Bendera Tersebut Telah Dibuat Beberapa Pindaan Iaitu Bulan Sabit Dan Bintang Yang Pada Asalnya Berwarna Putih Diganti Dengan Warna Kuning Bagi Melambangkan Warna Diraja.
Kredit: Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are encouraged to fly the Jalur Gemilang in conjunction with the Merdeka Day celebrations on August 31, to symbolise the country's independence and sovereignty.
Malaysia Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said Malaysians should always have a sense of pride and love for the county, and must respect the symbols of the national flag.
"Flying the Jalur Gemilang will create the right atmosphere and add colour while celebrating our Independence Day together with a sense of pride and patriotic spirit.
"Perhaps for some, especially the younger generation, they are more comfortable expressing their patriotic spirit through social media.
"However, I believe the impact is greater if we fly the actual flags at our premises and where suitable.
"If we take pride in the Jalur Gemilang, we certainly will not mind buying our own flag to commemorate the significant occasion," he said in a statement.
He said the patriotic spirit should also be inculcated in schools and homes to ensure the younger generation respect the symbols of the national flag.
Social development through community activities such as sports, visits, work camps, formation of societal organisations, unity gatherings, festivals, "gotong-royong" and others should also continue to enhance societal integration and promote the spirit of neighbourliness, he said.
Lee also urged the government to do more to ensure such care be received by all Malaysians during the current difficult times.
"Flying the Jalur Gemilang is not the only way to display patriotism. Malaysians can display their patriotism through their words, thoughts and actions in the interest of the country and in nation-building.
"Being patriotic also means contributing one's views and opinions in areas that can bring good to the country.
"Expressing one's feelings through the right channel is one of the basic rights which should be practised by all patriotic Malaysians who love the country and want the best for the nation.
"In this regard, expressing differing opinions for the sake of the country does not make a person less patriotic and his loyalty to the country should not be questioned," he said.
Lee also stressed that after 63 years of nationhood, Malaysians should strive forward with determination to ensure the multiracial country remains united with its plural societal sharing the same purpose and aspiration.
Credit: NST