The theme for the 2019 National Day and Malaysia Day is 'Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih' (Love Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia) to stress the importance of unity and patriotism for the well-being of the people as well as shared prosperity.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said it was hoped that the theme would instil integrity and strong character among Malaysians.

"The government has also decided to retain the official logo for last year’s celebrations this year, with the addition being the new theme,” he said in a statement here today.

He said the song 'Malaysia Bersih' (A Clean Malaysia) will be the main song for the celebration, but 'Kita Punya Malaysia' (Our Malaysia) will also be sung to fire up the spirit of patriotism, apart from sowing the culture of integrity and rejecting corruption.

The minister also announced that the National Day Parade on Aug 31 will be held in Putrajaya, and Malaysia Day in Kuching on Sept 16.

Gobind, who also chairs the 2019 National Month Celebrations Main Committee, said the launching ceremony of the national-level National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang events will be held on Aug 3, at Dataran Pahlawan in Malacca.

He said the ceremony was scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would also be in attendance.

"Malacca was selected as the venue for the launching ceremony due to historical factors, as it is the state where the declaration on the country's independence was made on Feb 20, 1956, namely in Banda Hilir," he said.

In the meantime, Gobind said various events have been planned in conjunction with the National Month celebration to invigorate the spirit of patriotism among the people.

He also called on Malaysians to express their love for the country by flying the Jalur Gemilang at their homes, offices, business premises, as well as on their vehicles to enliven the celebration.

"The government also encourages the people to voluntarily come up with various initiatives to celebrate the National Day and Malaysia Day to cultivate the spirit of unity," he added.

- Bernama