SHAH ALAM, Sept 4- Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek today proposed that the programme whereby the Negaraku(national anthem) is played before a film is screen in cinemas to be repeated on Sept 16 in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
Previously, more than 700 cinemas nationwide played a Merdeka (Independence Day) promotion and the Negaraku prior to the screening of movies in line with the 56th Merdeka celebrations.
The programme began on Aug 28 and ends yesterday.
He said this when asked if the programme would be continued when attending Bernama Radio 24’s 6th anniversary celebration here Tuesday.
Ahmad Shabery said he had proposed to the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) for the Negaraku to be played before screening of movies on Sept 16, with small changes to be implemented such as on the promotion video clip.
He said they had received good feedback on the programme from the audience, except in Penang where some refused to stand when the national anthem was played and they were reproached by fellow viewers without the need of intervention of authorities present.
Ahmad Shabery said he did not want to force the programme, adding that next year he would suggest that the Negaraku be played in cinemas throughout the Merdeka month.
On the flying of an alternative Jalur Gemilang (national flag) by several political activists on Merdeka Eve, he likened the action to children attempting to seek attention from their parents.
“They do something new and weird when people have long accepted the Jalur Gemilang. A new flag is made to get attention, but its affect we have to know if it touches the national ideologies, the existing system and if it’s right or wrong,” he said.
However, he said those involved had a personal history and they would let the police investigate the matter.
“I feel that a majority would not agree with this…not even our friends in PAS. To me they are a minority seeking attention,” he said.
Meanwhile, when interviewed on Radio Bernama24’s “Dalam Radar” programme at the event, Ahmad Shabery said flying of the Jalur Gemilang (National Flag) this Merdeka month appeared lacking as compared to five years ago.
He said there was nothing political about flying the flag because in neighbours like Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, their peoples showed their patriotic spirit by coming out in full force to fly their respective national flags during their national day celebrations.
On the “Tanda Putera” movie which has stirred much controversy in the country, Shabery said was not right to judge that the film can cause racial discord just based on its trailer which was just about two to three minutes long without seeing it in its entirety.
The film depicts the struggle of Malaysia’s second prime minister the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.
– BERNAMA
