THE true meaning of Malaysia’s independence lies not in the number of Jalur Gemilang flown, but in the nation’s ability to ensure every citizen feels respected, accepted and proud to belong, says the Sultan of Selangor.
His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the national flag should serve as a powerful reminder that Malaysians remain united despite differences in race, religion, language, political beliefs and personal backgrounds.
The Sultan has consented to the Jalur Gemilang being flown at Dataran Selangor from Aug 26 to Sept 17 as part of Malaysia’s 69th National Day celebrations.
Speaking after a flag-raising ceremony at Dataran Selangor on Wednesday, Sultan Sharafuddin said the Jalur Gemilang belonged to every Malaysian and did not distinguish between ethnic communities or religious faiths.
"Although we differ in race, religion, language, political beliefs, and background, the Jalur Gemilang reminds us that we remain citizens of the same nation," His Royal Highness said in a statement issued by Istana Alam Shah on Wednesday.
He said while thousands of national flags could easily be flown during the National Day month, the greater challenge was creating a country in which every citizen genuinely felt respected, accepted and proud.
The Sultan also called for the younger generation to be taught to respect Malaysia’s diverse cultures, while urging leaders to demonstrate simplicity, tolerance and compassion instead of using differences to divide society.
"Independence is not merely to be celebrated, and the flag is not merely to be flown," he said.
"The true value of both lies in our ability to preserve a nation where its people can live together in peace, respect one another, and remain united." - August 26, 2026
