‘Malaysia MADANI : Jiwa Merdeka’ is the theme for 2024 National Day and Malaysia Day celebration. The selected theme is in line with the unity shown among Malaysians of various religions and races.  

MALAYSIA MADANI is the foundation for the country’s prosperity and progress through its six main thrusts.

JIWA MERDEKA represents the freedom of Malaysians from negative elements in the process of interpreting the spirit of patriotism through various ways including the aspects of thought and social and economic integration leading to the establishment of harmonious and progressive united society.

MALAYSIA MADANI: JIWA MERDEKA signifies a holistic, advanced, progressive country with multiracial citizens who are united and loyal.

As part of the National Day and Malaysia Day celebration, various activities are organized to increase the spirit of patriotism among Malaysians every  year. This is meant to strengthen the Malaysia national identity and appreciate the diversity in culture, religion, and ethnicity that is the pride of the country.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is celebrating the National month in its own unique ways. Various programmes have been planned to enliven the National month celebration, among them by holding a prelaunch of National Month Celebration and a Wave Jalur Gemilang campaign for the university on 7 August. In addition, a host of interesting programmes have been planned, including Tik Tok Vlog Competition: Jiwa Merdeka (Patriotic), National Day Infographic Competition, Merdeka Anecdote Writing Competition, Merdeka Best Office Competition, Semarak Jiwa Merdeka Forum, and National Day Sailing. There are many more interesting programmes to increase the spirit of patriotism among UMT community.

The celebration of National Day and Malaysia Day is more meaningful with the spirit of “jiwa merdeka” firmly set in each individual and patriotism prevalent everywhere, paving for Malaysia to have a more properous future.

The Wave Jalur Gemilang campaign needs to be promoted well so that the youths will be proud to become Malaysian citizens and love the Malaysian flag.

The spirit of patriotism and “Jiwa Merdeka” needs to be cultivated in individuals at a young age so that they grow up having the right sentiment. Patriotism needs to be cultivated at the family level and at the early phase of the school years.

The young generation must realize that the peace and wellbeing they are enjoying now did not come without a cost. The peace enjoyed today is the result of the sacrifice of our previous soldiers. This should be remembered all year long not just during the National month in order to appreciate the gained freedom.

Today’s generation did not have to go throught the period of hardship faced by the forefathers. They come into being and inherit the new era that the previous generation had fought for.

It is important for us to work together to instill the spirit of patriotism, the feeling of respect among the people of all races and religions, the willingness to tolerate each other, in addition to creating a society that loves the country and works together to uphold its freedom.

Thus, the family institution and educators as well as stakeholders need to put in the effort to ensure that patriotism and tolerance among citizens of all races and religions are maintained.

Prepared by:

Rozita Alias

Administrative Officer

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

011-12885918

rozita.alias@umt.edu.my