In the film which was uploaded in his Facebook website today in conjunction with the National Day celebration on Aug 31, Dr Mahathir said many people considered the independence as normal although it had given many benefits to Malaysians.

“But we sometimes forget to appreciate the independence. The situation has changed. They are now living in comfort now. It is as though the independence is just something normal,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said this in a section of the film where he was talking to two siblings who played the characters of Aisyah and Adam in the short film.

The 93-year-old leader was replying to a question by Aisyah and Adam who wanted to know why not many Malaysians were flying the national flag, Jalur Gemilang.

Dr Mahathir, who was fondly called “Atuk” (grandpa) in the film running for 9 minutes and 27 seconds, was also proud of the noble act by the two siblings who distributed the Jalur Gemilang to members of the public as well as their friends to bring out the spirit of the National Day.