KOTA SAMARAHAN: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah advised the people not to fly the Sarawak colonial flag (old Sarawak flag).
He was disappointed some shop owners were flying the colonial flag, adding that the action was against the patriotic spirit of the people.
“When we are flying flags, we should know what flags to fly. Don’t jump on the bandwagon of flying the old flag from the colonial era.
“Maybe these people think that they are still part of a colonial state,” he said.
Abdul Karim was speaking at the Samarahan District Merdeka@Komuniti Programme organised by State Information Department at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre here today.
He added that flying the old flag indicated a lack of appreciation for the independence of the state and country.
“We should be proud to live in an independent country,” he stressed.
Abdul Karim said when flying the Jalur Gemilang (national flag), the people should also ensure that it was in good condition and properly installed.
“Respect our Jalur Gemilang just as we respect the Negaraku song which is a symbol of national glory,” he added.
He called on all Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang at home, in schools, government buildings and business premises to express their love for Malaysia.
Also present at the event were Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang, Stakan assemblyman Datuk Seri Ali Mahmud, Sarawak State Information director Swady Guliling and Kota Samarahan deputy Resident Richard Michael Abunawas.
