KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will attend Malaysia Day celebration here today.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said Abdullah would be the guest-of-honour together with Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah.

Masidi who is also the organising joint-chairman said the celebration was held in conjunction with the country’s 51st independence anniversary.

“This is the first time that the government is giving importance to Malaysia Day so that we can strive to become good citizens.

“The people must understand the history behind Malaysia’s formation on Sept 16, 1963 and have a strong spirit of patriotism toward’s the country.

“Despite the developments achieved over the years, there are signs that the love for the country is crumbling. We hope that Malaysia Day celebration will restore this spirit of patriotism,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Malaysia Day celebration would be held at Padang Merdeka here today starting 8pm.

— Bernama