Group photo of the Perak Menteri Besar with children waving the Jalur Gemilang.

GERIK, 5 August 2022 - The National Month celebration and Fly the Jalur Gemilang is joyous again after more than two years of moderate celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Alhamdulillah, we can celebrate this independence month again with joy and for the first time launched it in Gerik, Hulu Perak district," said Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad at the Perak National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Programme 2022 launch this evening.

He added that last year due to the Enhanced Movement Control Order, they could not hold any activities, celebrations or festivities.

When colonised previously, a curfew was also imposed because of concern about the colonial threat at that time.

"At one time, we were curfewed for many years due to the communist threat. Everywhere we had to deal with police roadblocks. I was not exempted when I was a teacher formerly; before going to school, I had to face two police roadblocks.

"At that time too, we could not make any development. After we got independence, only then could our government build roads and development, thus generating income for the people.

"Therefore, we must be grateful to Allah SWT for granting us the blessings of freedom, peace and independence," he explained.

He said the Jalur Gemilang should be seen as the national flag, spirit of identity, mental strength and instilling of gratitude to Allah SWT.

"The Jalur Gemilang is not just a piece of patterned cloth. Don't let it fall as it is the symbol of our country. Raise and wave the Jalur Gemilang with pride," he said.

Also present were State Financial Officer Mohd Zaki Mahyudin, State Youth, Sports, Communication and Multimedia Committee Chairman Khairul Shahril Mohamed, Hulu Perak Territorial Chief Toh Muda Orang Kaya Kaya Seri Adika Raja Shahbandar Muda Dato' Ar. LA Meor Roslan Meor Ahmad Rashidi, Hulu Perak District Officer Mohd Zairasyahli Shah Zakaria, State Information Director Mohd Taib Ubah and State Exco Members.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.