Rosmah: Be patriotic, don’t be misled by nation’s enemies

Patriotism is needed since the nation is being bombarded by information technology and globalisation, says prime minister's wife.

KUALA LUMPUR: The younger generation should emulate the patriotic spirit of the security forces who are willing to sacrifice for the nation’s sovereignty, Welfare Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) president Rosmah Mansor said today.

Rosmah said the spirit of patriotism was vital to ensure that the multi-racial people lived in peace.

She said a strong sense of patriotism was much needed today especially since the nation is being bombarded by information technology and globalisation.

“Although the nation had achieved independence more than half a decade ago, this does not mean that the spirit of patriotism is no longer important for the people,” she said at the launch of a ceremony to present Hari Raya Aidilfitri goodies to the security forces at the Siti Hasmah Bakti Building here today.

Also present was Bakti honorary member Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Malaysian Armed Forces chief Gen Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, and the Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar.

“Malaysia has always practised democracy. We can argue, have misunderstandings and differences in political ideologies and views, but when it comes to patriotism and a love for the nation, we have to stand united and strong,” she said.

Rosmah said if the people did not love the country, they could be easily influenced by the nation’s enemies and become divided.

This year, Bakti has provided 49,500 boxes of goodies for the armed forces in conjunction with the Hari Raya festival next month.

The packages, worth RM498,465, included local delights like rendang daging, sambal ikan bilis, kuah kacang and nasi impit.

– BERNAMA