Jangan boikot Hari Kebangsaan kerana isu Rohingya, kata Khaled

Defense Minister Khaled Nordin urged Malaysians not to boycott the National Day celebration due to the Rohingya issue, insisting that patriotism should not be based on emotions or sentiment toward specific national matters. Malaysia is our land, our home, and we will not stop guarding and beautifying our home regardless of our disagreement with the presence of individuals who were not invited.

Instead, let this opportunity to showcase our love for our country. Patriotism that shines brightly will serve as a signal to all parties, both within and outside the country, that the Malaysian people will not allow their homeland to become a battlefield or a stage for political and controversial disagreements. Social media users have called for Malaysians to boycott the National Day celebration or carry tricolored items with statements related to the Rohingya issue to Putrajaya, stating that Malaysian citizens should not become a silent society.

Malaysia is not a place for hiding, Khaled emphasized, adding that the government is serious about developments in southern Thailand and remains committed to supporting peace efforts there. The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will continue to strengthen border control and surveillance along the Malaysia-Thailand border to prevent any incidents in southern Thailand from spilling into the country.

We will ensure there are no incursions (into Malaysia), he said, confirming that the ATM has proposed a name for a facilitator of peace efforts in southern Thailand to the Prime Minister, following Rabin Basir's tenure as facilitator. On Saturday, arson attacks were reported in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala targeting government buildings, shops, vehicles, and utility poles, resulting in at least three injuries in Narathiwat.

Narathiwat was placed under curfew from 10:15 PM Saturday to 6:00 AM Sunday after more than 50 incidents were reported over the weekend, including bombings and the burning of local government offices.