SHAH ALAM, June 11 — The flying of the Jalur Gemilang and the Selangor state flag on towering flagpoles is not merely a physical structure or landmark but a symbol of patriotism, loyalty and unity that should be cherished, according to the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj.
The Selangor Royal Office said that His Royal Highness considers such displays to strengthen patriotic values and instil pride in both the state and the country.
During a recent visit to Istanbul, Turkiye, the Ruler expressed admiration for the prominent flagpoles on hills across the city, describing them as a clear symbol of the Turkish people's patriotism.
"His Royal Highness is of the view that flags flown on such flagpoles can foster love for the state and country, promote respect for symbols of sovereignty, and strengthen unity among people of different races and religions," it said in a Facebook post.
Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed disappointment that the Selangor State Flagpole at Dataran Selangor, which was officially inaugurated earlier, continued to be criticised by some quarters.
His Royal Highness hopes the example set by Istanbul would inspire efforts to cultivate patriotism and strengthen unity among the people.
On March 8, the Sultan witnessed the raising of the Selangor flag at the 120-metre Dataran Selangor flagpole, which was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the tallest flagpole in Southeast Asia.
The date of the ceremony was chosen to coincide with the birthday of His Royal Highness's late father Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, who played a pivotal role in the development of Shah Alam and its declaration as the capital of Selangor in 1978.
The flag-raising ceremony involved a 15m by 30m flag weighing about 50kg, carried out by 40 Royal Malaysian Navy personnel.
