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Malaysian cinemas back move to play national anthem before movies
Major cinema operators in Malaysia such as Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and TGV Cinemas Sdn Bhd (TGV) have expressed willingness to play the Malaysian national anthem, Negaraku, before the start of a movie in conjunction with the country's 56th Merdeka (Independence) Day celebrations
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ajor cinema operators in Malaysia such as Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and TGV Cinemas Sdn Bhd (TGV) have expressed willingness to play the Malaysian national anthem, Negaraku, before the start of a movie in conjunction with the country's 56th Merdeka (Independence) Day celebrations.
GSC general manager Irving Chee said it supported the communication and multimedia ministry's proposal to 'promote the patriotic spirit' by extending national day celebrations to the cinemas.
'The ministry is meeting up with cinema operators on Wednesday and we will work out the details with them,' he told The Star.
Meanwhile, a TGV spokesman said it would be honoured to play a role in boosting patriotism among Malaysians.
Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said last week that the Negaraku could be played two or three days before and after August 31, adding that it could also continue until Malaysia Day (National Day) on September 16.
If the proposal is implemented, he said the ministry would supply the national anthem video clip to cinemas nationwide.
Ahmad Shabery also encouraged cinema operators to come up with initiatives to ensure the audience stood up when the Negaraku was played, such as by switching on the lights.
'But for us, there should be no force as it is our responsibility to stand to respect the national anthem, and that should be our practice.
'If it could be done during football matches, why can't the same be done in cinemas for only a few days, in conjunction with Merdeka Day?' he had asked.
He noted that many countries, including Thailand and India, still practised the tradition of playing their anthems in public places daily.
