PETRONAS today launched its 2005 Merdeka Campaign in conjunction with Malaysia’s 48th Independence Day celebrations. Known as “Kempen Sambutan Hari Kemerdekaan Ke-48 Bersama PETRONAS” the Campaign carries on what has become a tradition in PETRONAS, that aims at not only celebrating the National Day but also at nurturing and instilling the spirit of patriotism and the love for the country among Malaysians.
The launch of the Campaign was officiated by PETRONAS’ Senior Vice President Datuk Ishak Imam Abas. It was held at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Wangsa Maju Seksyen 2, where PETRONAS also introduced its Program Bakti Pendidikan for Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, in the spirit of this year’s National Day Parade’s theme, “Education – The Core of Human Capital Development”. This three-year-old adopt-a-school programme has been widely successful in Terengganu, Kedah, Melaka, Sabah and Sarawak.
PETRONAS’ Merdeka Campaign comprises a series of activities and efforts, some of which have become synonymous with PETRONAS. These include:
w The distribution of national flags to members of the public;
w Fuel sponsorship for the Ministry of Information’s Kembara Merdeka 2005 programme;
w Production of special Merdeka Day 2005 television and print public messages;
w Konsert Merdeka KLCC 2005 and Fireworks Show on 30th August; and
w PETRONAS’ participation in the National Day March Pass and Float Parade.
Distribution of National Flags
This year, PETRONAS is again distributing flags and buntings of various sizes for the celebration. The Jalur Gemilang, bought from the Malaysian Paralympic Council, will be given out to the general public through selected PETRONAS service stations nationwide, through the Ministry of Information’s Kembara Merdeka convoy and during the Konsert Merdeka KLCC 2005.
Sponsorship of Kembara Merdeka 2005
PETRONAS is also the official fuel sponsor for Kembara Merdeka 2005. The programme, organised by the Information Ministry, sees a convoy of 15 4×4 vehicles travelling throughout the rural and major towns in the country where participants will be distributing national flags, also sponsored by PETRONAS, to motorists and members of the public as well as planting the national flower – the Hibiscus. PETRONAS has been the sponsor of this programme since 2002.
Special Merdeka Public Messages
PETRONAS has also produced special television and print public messages for this year’s Merdeka celebrations. The TV commercial will be aired beginning the third week of August.
Konsert Merdeka KLCC 2005 and Merdeka 2005 Countdown
To bring joy to all Malaysians celebrating the National Day, PETRONAS together with Karyawan will be organising the Konsert Merdeka KLCC 2005. This free concert will be held on the eve of the National Day at the KLCC Park.
Among the 20 artistes who will perform at this annual concert include Afdlin Shauky, Amy Search, Anuar Zain, KRU, Noraniza Idris, Rahim Maarof, Zainal Abidin and winners of Akademi Fantasia 2 and 3.
Later on in the evening, the Merdeka 2005 Countdown will be held. This will culminate in a firework show of about five minutes at the stroke of midnight to usher in Malaysia’s 48 years of independence.
National Day Parade and Celebrations
On the National Day, employees of PETRONAS in Malaysia and overseas will observe this meaningful day.
This year, PETRONAS’ participation in the National Day march-pass parade is even more special as its 150-strong contingent is made entirely of students of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. Some of the students will be part of the Float Parade.
Another group of UTP students will represent PETRONAS at the Perak State-level National Day march-pass parade.
In other States, more than 800 PETRONAS’ employees are taking part in the State-level parades.
At PETRONAS’ regional offices in Malaysia and at all its representative offices overseas, employees will hold special flag-raising ceremonies to commemorate Merdeka Day.
PETRONAS hopes that all its efforts will enhance the spirit of patriotism, the love for Malaysia and the understanding of the meaning of “merdeka” among its employees as well as all Malaysians.
Issued by
Media Relations Department
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