KOTA KINABALU: The ‘Merdeka’ month celebration is a platform that allows citizens to show their gratitude to the country and for the opportunity to enjoy the meaning of true independence, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman.
Launching the Sutera Harbour Resort 2014 National Day celebration at the Sutera Harbour Marina and Country Club near here yesterday, he said the National Day theme, ‘Malaysia, here begins love’ invites us to strengthen the spirit of patriotism and love for the country.
Musa who was represented by Deputy Chief Minister cum Industrial Development Minister, Datuk Raymond Tan stressed the importance of continually sowing the seeds of patriotism, unity, togetherness and cooperation among all Malaysians while driving the development of the country.
He commended the effort made by the management of the Sutera Harbour Resort to celebrate the National Day month and said that the corporate and private sector, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism industry had an important role to uphold the country’s image to the outside world.
“The citizens of the organisation must demonstrate a strong patriotism spirit, are courteous and polite to look after the good image of the country and contribute to the rapid development in the tourism industry as well as the country’s economy,” he said.
During the event yesterday, there was also a march past by members from the Kota KInabalu City Hall, Police Volunteer Reserve Corporation, RELA and the 507 Territorial Army Regiment of Kota Kinabalu.
Carrying the flags into the covered tennis court was the security team of Sutera Harbour Resort accompanied by the Police Band from the Sabah Police Headquarters.
The spirit of Merdeka was caputured in the singing of the ”Negaraku” and the ”Sabah Tanah Airku” during the raising of the Jalur GEmilang and Sabah flag.
This was followed with the declaration of the Merdeka led by Tan.
After that, Tan performed the flag topping ceremony together with Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, City Hall director general Datuk Yeoh Boon Hai and the resort’s chief executive officer Gilbert Ee.
About 600 members of the resort gathered to witness the launch. This was the 13th time the resort organised such an event in conjunction with the Malaysia Independence Day.