KUALA LUMPUR – Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has called on Malaysians not to boycott National Day celebrations over sentiment surrounding the Rohingya issue, urging the public instead to use the occasion to express their love and patriotism for the nation.
Speaking at the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign at Dataran Wisma Pertahanan today, Khaled stressed that Merdeka celebrations should not be dictated by emotional reactions to specific ongoing domestic polemics.
“Malaysia is our homeland; Malaysia is our home,” Khaled said. “As the host, we do not stop caring for or decorating our home simply because we disagree with the presence of uninvited guests.”
The minister’s statement comes in response to recent social media calls urging citizens to boycott the national celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya or carry protest banners regarding the Rohingya issue.
Khaled urged the public to channel their patriotism into protecting national sovereignty rather than allowing external issues to divide the country. -MalayaDailyToday
