Kuala lumpur: Wanita UMNO leaders will play a role in boosting the patriotic spirit among the people ahead of the 68th National Day celebration by distributing a total of 21,000 Jalur Gemilang (national flags) to residents in their respective constituencies across the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad stated that this initiative is a key agenda under the *Semarak Merdeka Wanita Malaysia* programme, which is being organised for the first time by the UMNO women’s wing. The flags will be distributed to local communities with the presence of all state Wanita UMNO chiefs or their representatives.

“We will also be holding a short video competition showcasing expressions of love for the country, depicting how Malaysia rose from the colonial era and remains strong to this day, with the spirit of independence still felt even after 68 years of freedom,” Dr Noraini told Bernama after launching the programme, which was attended by Wanita UMNO leaders or their representatives.

Meanwhile, Wanita UMNO Information Chief Datuk Rosni Zahari, who was also present, mentioned that various other programmes will be conducted by the wing throughout the National Month. These include outreach activities with the Orang Asli in Perak, trishaw riders in Melaka, and the distribution of independence-themed messages to MRT and LRT passengers.

“We want the spirit of independence to be expressed not only through flying the Jalur Gemilang, but also by connecting with the people and engaging with them directly,” she said.