21 Aug – Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek has officially confirmed that the national anthem will play before the movies start in cinemas nationwide, along with two promotional clips and the Independence Day theme song "Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku". The proposal was made by Ahmad Shabery just a few days ago. This move will be implemented in all 238 Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) halls, 170 TGV halls, 87 Lotus Five Star (LFS) halls, 185 MBO halls and 30 Cathay Cineplex halls, including Sabah and Sarawak. The two promotional clips, titled "Pesanan Terakhir" and "Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku", will run for a total of four minutes, followed by the Independence Day theme song "Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku" and "Negaraku". According to Ahmad Shabery, this campaign will begin from 28 August 2013 to 3 September, although there is a possibility that it may continue till Malaysia Day on 16 September.
"This year, Malaysia has experienced a lot of internal strife and outside threats, so it is important for us to remember our duty to this country and stand united. Standing up when our national anthem is played in cinemas is only a small sacrifice on our part as a citizen of Malaysia." When asked if he is worried that there will people who will not abide to this practice, Ahmad Shabery replied, "I believe that we have enough respect for the country to do so without need for force. Having said so, there will be people to observe and supervise the audience in cinemas accordingly and action will be taken against those who refuse to comply." This is the second time such a practice has been implemented in Malaysia.