MERDEKA CELEBRATION THIS YEAR WILL BE MODERATE BUT JOYOUS: RAIS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- The 53rd Merdeka Day (Independence Day)
this year will be celebrated on a moderate scale at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil
near here in respecting the holy month of Ramadan, said Information
Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

"With Aug 31 (Merdeka Day) falling during Ramadan, we understand there
will be limitations to celebrating the occasion on a grand scale.

"However, I can say it will still be a very joyful celebration come Aug 31
(at Stadium Putra)," he told a press conference after his ministry's post
Cabinet meeting here Wednesday.

Rais said state governments and local authorities had been asked to ensure
the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) is flown everywhere including the villages.

"It (national flag) is not expensive, cheaper than a pack of cigarettes. If
cost is a problem, we can supply them," he said, adding that this year the
giving away of the flags for free was limited because the government wanted to
see for itself the people's response to the flag flying campaign.

Asked about the annual Merdeka eve celebration, Rais said none would be held
at the federal level in respecting the Ramadan month but the states could have
their own if they wished to do so.
-- BERNAMA