The National Day 2018 celebration will be truly historic in the sense that the National Day is to be celebrated for the first time under the leadership of the new Pakatan Harapan government, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said.

Putrajaya has been selected as the venue for the celebration on Aug 31, with the theme ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku’, to hail the new government led by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the federal government administrative centre, he said.

“This new government of the people’s choice will ensure the patterning of a new glory to be enjoyed by all the people from now right into the future,” Gobind said at a press conference on the National Day 2018 in Putrajaya today.

At the event, he also introduced the National Day 2018 logo and theme song ‘Kita Punya Malaysia’.

The minister said the celebration will begin at Padang Kota Lama (Esplanade) in Penang with the launch of the ‘National Month’ and ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018’ events by the prime minister on Aug 4.

“Penang was chosen because we want the ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang’ roadshow’ to begin in the north (of Peninsular Malaysia) and proceed to Putrajaya and end in Sabah for the Malaysia Day 2018 celebration,” he said.

Exciting events to be held in Penang

Gobind Singh said various exciting events would be held over three days, from Aug 3 to 5, in Penang, such as a fireworks display, Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang roadshow, buskers’ performance, Caring Bridge and MyMerdeka Exhibition, food truck carnival, Merdeka Run, Fama My Best Buy Sale and various informative entertainment for the participation of the people.

The Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang roadshow would be flagged off in Penang on Aug 4 and end in Putrajaya on Aug 31 after going around the country, he said.

The minister also said that the National Day 2018 logo, on the theme ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku’, was created by Nik Zulkifli Nik Hitam. It was selected from 632 entries received by the ministry.

Gobind said the logo, which was selected by the prime minister on July 25, symbolised the people lifting their hands in joy and the shape of a heart uniting them.

“The logo portrays Malaysians of various races living in diversity, harmony, unity and with a strong affection for Malaysia,” he said.

He said the National Day 2018 theme song ‘Kita Punya Malaysia’ was sung by the Malaysian rock band, Bunkface, and it was composed by its lead vocalist Sam.

Unlike the genre of previous National Day theme songs, Gobind said, this theme song was catchy and had a vibrant pop beat. It was selected by Mahathir from among several songs sent in.

“This song portrays Malaysia as belonging to us and we have to be united in our diversity and have a high degree of self-esteem while working together to develop our beloved nation,” Gobind said.

He also said that the theme song would be aired over the official media to rev up the National Day 2018 celebration.

It is also hoped that the people would show their spirit of patriotism by flying the Jalur Gemilang to make the celebration grander.

“When it comes to Merdeka Day, we all feel that this is a very important occasion for us. So, all Malaysians should put in their effort to show that they are part of this celebration. Let us make this celebration a success together.

"I seek the cooperation of every Malaysian to fly the Jalur Gemilang with great pride from now, during the month of August and up to Malaysia Day to be celebrated on Sept 16 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,” Gobind added.

- Bernama