Khaled: Don't boycott National Day celebrations over Rohingya issue

Malaysia's Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, has cautioned against boycotting National Day celebrations due to the Rohingya issue. He emphasized that the country's Independence Day should not be influenced by emotions or sentiments surrounding specific problems affecting Malaysia. Nordin reminded Malaysians that Malaysia is their home and urged them not to neglect its care and improvement due to disagreements over certain matters.

Instead, he suggested using the occasion to deepen their love for their nation. Nordin stressed that a strong sense of patriotism should demonstrate to both domestic and international audiences that Malaysians will not allow their homeland to become a political arena or a platform for anyone's disputes. He also called on the public to utilize this year's National Day celebrations to reaffirm their dedication to preserving Malaysia's sovereignty.

The minister stressed that the country did not achieve independence independently and urged Malaysians to collaborate in its development, protection, cherishing, and defense of sovereignty. He urged Malaysians to pray for the nation's welfare, the soldiers fighting on the frontlines, and all Malaysians.