Ahmad Shabery (left) presents the logo of this year’s National Day celebrations to Adenan at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching. — Bernama photo

KUCHING: The Kuching city is ready for the launch of the Merdeka Month celebrations and the ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang’ campaign on Aug 8.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said yesterday as the launch venue of the two events, the city would be more resplendent to be seen.

He said this to reporters after paying a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem at his office and later introducing the logo of this year’s National Day celebrations.

“We encourage all quarters to fly the Jalur Gemilang at homes, offices or even business premises.

“We also want hotels and restaurants to come up with special packages, just like the very popular Ramadan buffet during the fasting month, which they can call the National Day buffet and so forth,” he enthused.

The minister said by having the Jalur Gemilang flying everywhere, it would accentuate the spirit of unity in celebrating the National Day under this year’s theme of ‘Malaysia: Sehati Sejiwa’ (One Heart One Soul).

He said the prime minister was scheduled to officiate the launch at the Padang Merdeka.

Meanwhile, the minister said, starting this year, the National Day celebrations would not depict its anniversary year.

“If we were to name it as the 57th or 58th Merdeka Day, the celebration will be more for those in the Peninsular Malaysia.

“By dropping this (anniversary year), it will be a celebration for all in the Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

On the logo, Ahmad Shabery said the heart-shaped logo reflected the long standing peace, unity and harmony among all Malaysians, irrespective of their race or belief.

“The maps of Peninsular Malaysia and that of Sabah and Sarawak within the heart reflect the unity of the three in the formation of this great nation,” he added. — Bernama