18/08/2025

MONDAY | AUG 18, 2025

FOLLOW

ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper

6

@thesundaily

Right way to show patriotism

Manifesting love for nation in daily activities KUALA LUMPUR: Patriotism should not be viewed solely through the lens of the National Day celebrations on Aug 31 or the act of flying the Jalur Gemilang , but also in a broader sense such as freeing the nation from poverty, corruption and abuse of power, said Universiti Teknologi Mara Faculty of Communication and Media Studies senior lecturer Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam. He said patriotism could be expressed through everyday actions, such as prioritising local products, keeping the environment clean, respecting other religions and ethnicities and obeying the law. “Patriotism does not require a huge cost. It starts with attitude, such as caring for public property, appreciating local talent and not littering. “Small acts like these have a big impact on the country’s image and dignity,” he said on Bernama TV’s “Ruang Bicara” programme recently, which discussed the topic “Embracing Independence and Fostering the Spirit of Patriotism”. Abdul Aziz reminded Malaysians that independence is a trust that demands continuous sacrifice, not merely an inherited legacy to be taken for granted. “If we take it lightly, what was built by previous generations could disappear in an instant. Independence must be safeguarded, defended and advanced, or the next generation will blame us for failing to protect what was handed down,” he said. On instilling patriotism among youths, he said the approach must suit their life experiences, as many were born into a time of comfort brought about by earlier sacrifices. “Young people may find it hard to relate to the struggle for independence because they never experienced such hardship. Our task is to build a country they can truly love.” Abdul Aziz suggested the education system, especially in regard to history lessons, should place greater emphasis on local achievements rather than focusing too heavily on foreign successes. “Few know about ‘Terusan Wan Mat Saman’in Kedah, the canal built in the 19th century, or the ‘Batu Bersurat’ in Terengganu, evidence of early Islamic influence in the region. Facts like these remind us that our country has its proud heritage and achievements.” On the role of social media in fuelling patriotism, he acknowledged its potential when used wisely, but warned that unchecked negative content could undermine unity. “The National Month should be a time for everyone, including politicians, to reduce hostility. Even with different views, we must find common ground for the sake of the nation. If we remain trapped in racial or partisan sentiments, our love for the country will wane.” – Bernama

He recounted how his housing area once resonated with the chant of “Saya Anak Malaysia” when the Chinese community paraded on Aug 31 while singing the song. Dr Sam was a guest performer at the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign for the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, officiated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Bahasa Melayu here yesterday. According to Dr Sam, he gets emotional every time he hears schoolchildren, youth and even university students sing the song, despite not knowing him personally. “Although the song is 39 years old, people still sing it. Even the children sing it. During the performance earlier, the IPG students sang along and I felt very emotional,” he said. He said he never imagined that the song, composed by renowned composer Datuk M. Nasir with lyrics by S. Amin Shahab in 1986, would remain evergreen as a patriotic identity for Malaysians. His sweetest memory was when the song was first performed at the Radio Televisyen Malaysia Auditorium, during which the entire hall resounded with enthusiastic singing on the eve of National Day. “The whole hall echoed. I can never forget that moment,” he said, adding that the strength of the song lay in its simple melody and easy to remember lyrics. “When people hear this song, everyone feels like they are part of one big family called Malaysia. That is what makes me proud.”– Bernama constitutes an insult and offenders face fines of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Penang Malay History and Civilisation Association president Datuk Abdul Kader Md Ali said all agencies, including NGOs, must raise awareness about the flag. “All parties must play their role, whether government agencies or NGOs. All must go to the ground to meet the people and teach them how to respect the flag and use it correctly, including not flying it upside down and not using damaged flags,” he said. He urged a return to past practices of distributing free flags at toll plazas, which create a festive spirit and reminded the public of their national symbol, adding that parents also bear responsibility for teaching children about the Jalur Gemilang and the Rukun Negara . According to the Information Department guidebook, the Jalur Gemilang should always be displayed horizontally. The vertical “Malaysia Banner” must begin with a red stripe on the left and end with a white stripe, and must never be hung horizontally. The flag must not be used as clothing, accessories, tablecloth, curtains, masks or packaging. Altering its appearance for advertising purposes is also prohibited. Under a 1994 circular, it is mandatory to fly the Jalur Gemilang at federal buildings, government offices, statutory bodies and local authorities. For guidelines, the public may refer to the Information Department online resources.

“It was designed by Mohamed Hamzah, an architect with the Johor Public Works Department who won a national design competition.” Recent incidents of the flag being raised upside down reflect indifference, he said. “In fact, there are many platforms that provide information on the correct way to display the flag. “All the information is at your fingertips, just Google it. Government agencies such as the Information Department also demonstrate the proper way during campaigns.” The department has also published a guidebook, “Bendera Kita Jalur Gemilang”, with instructions on correct usage. State level offices also share flag installation tips on social media. “When all efforts have been made, yet some still commit the same mistake, I believe it is not because they don’t know but because they don’t care, and the authorities should take action.” The Jalur Gemilang is protected under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963. Flying it upside down

o Understand meaning of national flag and ensure correct display method, public urged

KUALA LUMPUR: In the run-up to Merdeka Day during the National Month, a festive spirit fills the air, with rows of Jalur Gemilang fluttering proudly on bridges, business premises and homes. With the theme “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, the nation will celebrate National Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16. But while many express their patriotic spirit by displaying the flag, some do so incorrectly, sparking controversy. For instance, flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down is seen as a sensitive issue. Such incidents highlight the need for Malaysians to understand the meaning of the flag and the correct way to display it. Historian associate professor Dr Abu Hanifah Haris said Malaysians must first cultivate a love for the Jalur Gemilang . “The flag represents the sovereignty and dignity of a nation.

The Jalur Gemilang embodies the pride and identity of all Malaysians across ethnicities and religions, and therefore must be cherished by all citizens who love the country,” said the head of Universiti Malaya’s Department of History. He told Bernama flying the flag during National Month honours those who fought for independence and reflects the people’s love for the country. “Therefore, incidents of flying the flag upside down should never happen,” he said, adding a flag flown upside down is an international signal for distress or protest. First hoisted on Aug 31, 1957 as the Flag of the Federation of Malaya, it was later renamed the Malaysian flag before being rebranded as “Jalur Gemilang” in 1997 by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. “Our flag’s origin dates back to 1947,” Abu Hanifah said.

Perennial joy for ‘Saya Anak Malaysia’ singer

KUALA LUMPUR: The patriotic song “Saya Anak Malaysia” remains evergreen across generations, as Malaysians of all races continue to embrace it as a connection of love and

pride in being citizens of the nation. Its singer Salim Ibrahim, 72, better known as Dr Sam, said he was touched to see Malaysians of various backgrounds singing along with

passion whenever the song is played. “Grateful to Allah. I am moved to see that not only Malays but also Chinese and Indians sing this song together,” he said.

Fahmi (second from left) standing next to Dr Sam during the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang event yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC