Rohingya issue not a reason to boycott National Day, says Defense Minister

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has firmly stated that the Rohingya issue should not be a reason for boycotting Malaysia's National Day celebrations. He expressed his disagreement with individuals or groups planning such a boycott due to dissatisfaction with the situation.

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Celebrating independence and National Day is something that should not be tied to emotions and sentiments.

"Celebrating independence and National Day is something that should not be tied to emotions and sentiments," the minister declared at a flag-raising ceremony. He likened the nation to a home, urging citizens not to neglect its upkeep due to external disagreements. "Malaysia is our homeland. Malaysia is our home," he stressed, encouraging Malaysians to use the occasion to strengthen their love for the country.

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Malaysia is our homeland. Malaysia is our home.

Mohamed Khaled also cautioned against prioritizing foreign practices over national identity. He criticized the tendency to view external trends as symbols of modernity while dismissing local heritage, language, and traditions as outdated. "In reality, this thinking that always glorifies foreign cultures is actually outdated and immature," he asserted.

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Do not miss the opportunity to express love and affection for the country just because we are dissatisfied with certain issues plaguing the nation.

The minister believes that a strong sense of patriotism can signal to both domestic and international observers that Malaysians will not allow their country to become a stage for political disputes. He reminded the public not to become so engrossed with the outside world that they devalue their own national identity.

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In reality, this thinking that always glorifies foreign cultures is actually outdated and immature.