M'SIAN PM WANTS PATRIOTISM EXPANDED TO COVER MANY ASPECTS

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 12 (Bernama)-- Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak wants the
people to expand their patriotism to encompass having good values, good
character,diligence and respect for the counry's laws and regulations, and
maintaining harmony in the country.

He said as citizens, these aspects were necessary apart from patriotism.

"The patriotic spirit is important because overall, there is no land that is
better and more fortunate than Malaysia," he said here Wednesday when launching
the 'Fly the Jalur Gemilang' (the Malaysian flag) campaign in conjunction with
the country's 52nd independence celebration.

Najib said the people had been able to savour the fruit of independence all
this while because the country had been well and effectively governed.

As such, he wished to see every house, shop, commercial and government
building and vehicle to fly the national flag in celebrating Merdeka
(independence) this year.

On another note, Najib said the government would continue with the
'1Malaysia, People First, Performance Now' approach, adding that this was no
mere slogan but the government's new direction to achieve bigger success.

Earlier, Najib launched the campaign by blowing an air horn and a passing
parade by sail boats, other boats and jet skis carrying the Jalur Gemilang
followed.

The jet skiers were in traditional attire that reflected Malaysia's
multiracial society.

After that, boats from Rela (People's Volunteer Corps), Civil Defence
Department, police, Fire and Rescue Services Department, Putrajaya Lake Cruise
and Putrajaya Corporation also took part in the passing parade.

Najib then handed the Jalur Gemilang to representatives from the public and
private sectors, non-governmental organisations, associations representing the
various racial groups, and schools.

He also placed a Jalur Gemilang on several vehicles each, including taxis
and on his official car.
-- BERNAMA