Sabah Japen to implement programmes promoting unity, nationalism beginning Sunday (July 31)

KOTA KINABALU, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Information Department (Japen) will implement programmes promoting unity and nationalism in conjunction with the 2022 National Month and Malaysia Day celebration with the theme 'Keluarga Malaysia, Stronger Together' from this Sunday (July 31).

Its director Nadzerah Abdullah said the programmes designed to stir up the spirit of patriotism and love for the country will begin with the launch of National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations at the state level, scheduled to be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Nadzerah said various other activities would be held this year, including a national storytelling competition; Keluarga Malaysia tour and the Merdeka@Komuniti programme.

"These programmes aim to foster the spirit of togetherness and encourage the voluntary involvement of the community," she said when speaking during Japen Sabah’s evening session with the media here, today.

She said today’s programme was Sabah Japen’s approach to introducing messages related to national policy and development, including in the context of the National Security Policy, besides strengthening relations with local media practitioners.

Nadzerah said the country now not only faced challenges in terms of strengthening unity in a multicultural society, but also the borderless nature of accessing and sharing information.

"People now have a higher education background in various fields and we can see opinions being expressed more openly, especially on social media.

"In celebrating differences of opinion, we need to always hold to the principle of ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ so that we can continue to build Malaysia as a nation that is connected, united, knowledgeable and of integrity.

"The media provides reports, discussions and analysis on various matters that will indirectly shape the society’s positive pattern of thinking," she said, while urging media practitioners to continue producing articles that induce a spirit of patriotism and unity among the community to build an informed, proactive and competitive Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA