{
  "id": 4809932,
  "title": "Tak benar belia tak hargai merdeka, kata Dr M",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/tak-benar-belia-tak-hargai-merdeka-kata-dr-m-4809932",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T06:39:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/09/01/tak-benar-belia-tak-hargai-merdeka-kata-dr-m"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has criticized the younger generation for failing to appreciate their country's independence, stating that he observed numerous young Malaysians, Chinese, and Indians attending the National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya. The 101-year-old statesman noted that while their faces were joyful and clearly excited, it appeared as if they were celebrating newfound freedom after years of colonial rule. Mahathir emphasized that the enthusiasm displayed by these youngsters would help maintain their beloved nation and that there is no greater honor than defending their homeland. The former cabinet minister suggested that concerns raised by older generations about the level of patriotism among the younger generation have been challenged by the presence of such a vibrant and patriotic youth. Paul Kiong, a former Special Branch officer, recently urged Generation Z to remember the sacrifices made and to continue staying united as a nation in a recent interview with New Straits Times.",
  "summary": "Bekas perdana menteri memuji rakyat berbilang kaum hadir menyaksikan perarakan Hari Kebangsaan susulan kebimbangan generasi muda tidak menghargai kemerdekaan negara.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Tak benar belia tak hargai merdeka, kata Dr M",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/tak-benar-belia-tak-hargai-merdeka-kata-dr-m",
        "published": "2026-09-01T06:39:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}