Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) secretary-general Datuk Suriani Ahmad said the pandemic is seen as a blessing as the situation saw the good qualities and solidarity of the people, including during the Movement Control Order (MCO) last March.
"COVID-19 is a blessing in disguise. The spirit of patriotism could actually be seen during this pandemic. We do not have to show our patriotic feelings physically, such as by attending some gathering (for a celebration), as doing good deed sincerely should suffice to show our love for the country.
"For example, at the critical phase of the MCO when the country was put in a bad light over the ill- treatment of illegal foreign workers, we saw how the people defended the country as all that were told were untrue. Here we could see the patriotic spirit livening up among Malaysians," she said.
She said this when interviewed in the 'Rukun Negara Hour' special broadcast programme organised by KKMM through the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) in collaboration with the National Unity Ministry on Bernama TV and Bernama Radio.
The two-hour special programme which started at 9am was produced to enliven the Rukun Negara 50th Anniversary and Malaysia Day celebrations as well as strengthen the people's appreciation of the national philosophy.
On this year's Malaysia Day celebration, Suriani said although there were no big and joyous celebrations, Malaysians are encouraged to do activities that could translate the spirit of independence and share them on social media.
The national-level Malaysia Day celebration this year will take place at the Sibu Indoor Stadium, Sarawak, tonight.
-- BERNAMA