'Govt offices must play National Month song'
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the "catchy, melodious and pleasant" song would ignite the spirit of the National Month.
The song is composed by Datuk Mokhzani Ismail, arranged by young composer Affan Mazlan and performed by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin.
"I feel this year's theme song is truly magical and extraordinary. The song has also caught the attention and praise of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who said it was 'really, really good'," he said during the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly here yesterday.
Present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching; Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
The song made its official debut at the National Month Launch and Jalur Gemilang Flag-Raising Ceremony at Dataran Tanjung Emas in Muar, Johor on Sunday.
Fahmi also requested that Radio Televisyen Malaysia, Bernama and other broadcasters play the theme song before and after main news bulletins, as well as in promotional videos to create a lively atmosphere and boost the spirit of patriotism throughout the National Month.
"I am asking that the ministry play the theme song either in the lobby or as background music during official events. We will also propose to the Prime Minister's Department that this song be played at all official events attended by the prime minister during the National Month.
"This will be discussed further with the department," he said.
Fahmi said the Communications Ministry was making preparations to ensure the celebrations ran smoothly, including field activities, security, broadcasting facilities and performances.
He said the ministry was resolving Internet connectivity issues as well as safety and traffic control aspects at the celebration venues.
"A lot of preparations are underway and, so far, I am satisfied.
"We are also planning special 'gimmicks' for both celebrations," he said.
This year's National Day celebration will be held in Putrajaya on Aug 31, and the Malaysia Day celebration at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena in Penang on Sept 16. Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Malaysia, Philippines to strengthen strategic cooperation for Asean's future
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the Philippines are committed to strengthening strategic cooperation to ensure a more peaceful and united future for Asean, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a Facebook post tonight, Anwar said the commitment was among the matters discussed during a phone conversation with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr today. "The discussion also touched on peace and harmony in international waters and border areas, which are our shared priorities for regional stability," said the prime minister. Anwar said he also shared positive developments regarding the border negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia, which are expected to be finalised this Thursday through the consensus of the two countries' defence ministers during the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) meeting here. He said the development marked another step forward in realising Asean's aspirations of becoming a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Cambodian Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and acting Thai Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit, along with armed forces chiefs and government representatives of both countries, are expected to attend the GBC meeting. Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to implement a ceasefire effective midnight on July 28 following a special meeting chaired by Anwar at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Anwar calls for deeper appreciation of Asian history, free from colonial narratives
Anwar at the launch of the 'More Than A Day As A Tiger' exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. – Bernama --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a deeper appreciation of Asian history that moves beyond colonial narratives, citing Tipu Sultan of Mysore, an Indian ruler who fought against the British East India Company as a model of courage, learning and tolerance. He said that the contributions of Tipu Sultan and his father Haider Ali, as defenders against British colonial expansion, exemplified the importance of understanding history from the perspective of local and regional leaders rather than solely from Western accounts. "History is not necessarily very kind, one of our scholars Syed Hussein Alatas emphasised the need to reconstruct history because history cannot be written only by the winners or from the perspective of the colonial rulers," he said during the launch of the "More Than A Day As A Tiger" exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, here on Tuesday (Aug 5) night. Also present were the Prime Minister's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Albukhary Foundation chairman Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary; Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and his spouse, as well as representatives from embassies and consulates. Anwar noted that Malaysian history, like that of many others, is often written from the perspective of the British, essentially reflecting Western colonial rule. "Of course, there have been lots of academic accounts, including by Edward Said on Orientalism, but the manner, the whole discipline of history, culture and society is being dictated by certain Western viewpoints," he said. Anwar also shared his personal experience visiting Mysore before taking office, recalling his admiration for Tipu Sultan's modest palace and his protection of Hindu temples, including the ancient temple there. He also praised Tipu Sultan's foresight in mastering military technology to confront colonial powers, citing the Mysore Sultanate's renowned cannons and firearms that had shocked the British in the early wars. "It is not just an ordinary exhibition, but to showcase the history of India and the Muslim world, and the history of the anti-colonial struggle against colonial rule, in this particular case, the British rule. "His diplomatic skills with the few sultanates, Muslims and Hindus in India and his venture into international diplomacy, particularly in persuading the French forces to support his struggle against the British," he said. Anwar noted that while Malaysians have historically had limited knowledge of Tipu Sultan and Haider Ali's legacy, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia's exhibition would significantly enhance understanding about the two historical figures. Featuring an extensive collection of artefacts, manuscripts, weaponry and artworks related to Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, the exhibition will run from tomorrow until Jan 11, 2026, at Special Gallery 2. – Bernama
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
PM Anwar's four wins as Asean Chair, according to veteran Thai journalist
BANGKOK: (Bernama) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's (pic) success in mediating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which resulted in an immediate halt to armed clashes along their disputed border, was hailed as a major diplomatic victory. The courageous and decisive move by the Malaysian premier has not only strengthened his position as a political leader and effective Asean Chair, but also elevated the regional bloc's profile on the global stage. Veteran Thai journalist and regional affairs commentator Kavi Chongkittavorn said when tensions escalated into artillery exchanges between the two neighbouring countries last month, Anwar seized the moment in his capacity as Asean Chair and emerged as a statesman on the regional stage. In an article titled "Four Wins For Asean Chair Anwar" published on Thai PBS World, Kavi said the Malaysian Prime Minister scored four wins with his decisive step to help de-escalate the ongoing tension between the two neighbours. The first win he noted was that Anwar, leveraging his position as Asean Chair, stepped up to act as a mediator, projecting himself as Southeast Asia's peacemaker. He attributed the second win to Anwar's ability to turn the crisis into an opportunity to boost Asean's centrality and relevance. "Major powers often ridicule Asean as a talk shop without action. The ceasefire deal - which still holds - changed that narrative. "Anwar used his chairmanship to show Asean could broker peace when it mattered. "He didn't just convene meetings; he actively facilitated the entire process. "The message is clear: Asean is performing a somersault. It just needs decisive leadership,' Kavi said. Veteran Thai journalist and regional affairs commentator Kavi Chongkittavorn. He said the Malaysian premier's third win was succeeding to not only break the deadlock of the armed clashes, but also to convince Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to come to Kuala Lumpur for an unprecedented face-to-face direct dialogue. For the record, previous confrontations from 2008 to 2011 saw Thailand completely decline Asean's invitation for mediation talks. The fourth win was balancing the two major powers and important players for Asean - the United States (US) and China, and most remarkably, engaging them to witness the ceasefire talks. "These superpowers rarely collaborate on anything these days. Yet both sent envoys to support the Asean chair's initiative. "Both powers were present, but neither dominated - exactly what Asean wanted,' he said. Anwar's balancing act was particularly impressive, given his recent regular vitriol against Washington. He has been vocal about Gaza (more so than Indonesia), criticising both Israeli and US policies. Kavi said this extraordinary achievement shows what Asean can achieve with active, credible leadership. "After all, Anwar is an old and astute Asean hand. Truth be told, Anwar understood this perfectly. "He saw that regional dynamics and global shifts had created an opening. He seized it with both hands,' he wrote. For Asean, Kavi said the crisis reminds us that actions speak louder than words, and louder than all the annual joint communiqués. "For Anwar, it is proof that skilled diplomacy can transform political fortunes. For the region, it is hoped that Asean-led solutions can still work in Trump's world,' he added. Kavi's full article can be read at . - Bernama
