PROGRAMMES TO INSTIL PATRIOTISM SHOULD BE REVITALISED BEYOND HKHM CELEBRATIONS - FAHMI

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Programmes to instil patriotism must be revitalised and continued even after successfully completing the 2024 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations (HKHM), said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the public could continue flying the Jalur Gemilang at all times with pride, not just during the national month, among other things.

"The 1 Rumah 1 Jalur Gemilang programme is running very well…we need to put in some effort to educate and focus on Generation Alpha so that they understand what the Jalur Gemilang symbolises and the meaning behind the 14-point-star.

"I would like to request the Information Department (JaPen) to develop a module for the MADANI Community to facilitate public understanding (of the meaning of Jalur Gemilang)," he said at the Communication Ministry's monthly gathering here today.

Fahmi said the programme's success served as a reminder to ensure initiatives under the ministry would be managed effectively and without leakages.

He also hoped that the Communications Ministry could continue to play a key role in helping other ministries deliver their messages and programme policies to the public.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the Communications Ministry to assist in promoting the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA), which will end this Sunday.

"I have asked RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia), Bernama (Malaysian National News Agency) and JaPen to increase promotions. This does not mean we are taking over the duties of other ministries' Corporate Communication Units, but we need to coordinate certain matters to avoid the perception that we are not helping them," he said.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said he had asked JaPen to explain the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) to ministry staff, especially those who might still be unclear about the new system.

Civil servants have an option of 40 days from Oct 21 to Nov 31 to sign up for SSPA or remain with the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) before the new system comes into effect on Dec 1.

-- BERNAMA