Kuala lumpur: The National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations should not be driven by emotions and sentiments, but instead be an opportunity for Malaysians to express their love and affection for the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized that calls to boycott the celebrations should not arise from dissatisfaction over certain issues. He urged Malaysians to use the occasion to strengthen their love for the country, highlighting that patriotism should signal to all parties, both domestically and internationally, that Malaysians will not allow their homeland to become a political battleground or the subject of polemics.

In his speech at the launch of the Defence Ministry-level National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang celebration, Mohamed Khaled expressed his disagreement with those planning to boycott the National Day celebrations due to sentiments such as the Rohingya issue. He reminded that Malaysia is an independent, peaceful, and sovereign nation, founded on mutual understanding and harmony among diverse races and religions.

Mohamed Khaled stressed the importance of embracing and upholding these values across all segments of society to ensure the preservation of the country's peace and sovereignty. Furthermore, he encouraged all Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang with pride and gratitude, and to pray for the nation's well-being, the safety and sacrifices of security personnel at the borders, and the welfare of all Malaysians.