LETTER | Fly the national flag of freedom with pride!

LETTER | Unexpectedly, the number of the Jalur Gemilang being displayed to mark National Day and Malaysia Day is still very low. It is really regrettable that National Day has for quite some time now become identified with the ruling government instead of the nation.

Governments will come and go but the nation is permanent and we owe allegiance more to the nation and less to the government of the day.

Since 2018 there have been four prime ministers and four changes of administration. A lot of Malaysians still continue to be confused with this concept.

People must understand that the national flag represents the nation and not the government. The physical nation represents the entire citizenry and we are, by not flying the national flag, denying ourselves the celebration of freedom. There should be no alternative views on this issue.

For the past couple of years fewer homes, offices and commercial premises have been displaying the flag as many were opposing the government, and not flying the flag was seen as a sign of protest.

Now, the opposition which has morphed into the unity government is ruling the country. So why are these people not enthusiastically displaying the flag? What are they waiting for?

In fact, this year should see the largest number of flags in the country, especially in the urban areas as the unity government has been in power since November 2022.

In rural areas, there is always a strong presence of the Jalur Gemilang whatever the political situation is. The flags are quite cheap ranging from RM5 to RM10 based on size and almost all can afford it.

Another issue I would like to highlight is the presence of the state flags alongside the Jalur Gemilang, especially in Selangor. This is not appropriate for the occasion. For Merdeka and Malaysia Day, only the federation flag should be flown.

The Selangor flag can be displayed to mark the birthday of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah or can be used for any function special to Selangor and attended by the sultan, the menteri besar or the Selangor administration.

Flags should be lowered down and neatly folded and can be used in the future. One sees a lot of flags exposed to the elements becoming tattered and discoloured. This is a mark of disrespect for the federation or state flags.

In many countries, the national flag is accorded due honour and reverence. The local authority enforcement personnel should act on this problem.

More lively

The flag-raising ceremony on Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day can be made more lively and vibrant nationwide if residential areas such as housing estates, kampung, new villages, and low-cost housing schemes can meaningfully participate in it.

All residents' associations need to be registered with the local authorities which could provide an allowance or allocation of RM1,000 or more for their activities, especially the Merdeka celebration.

They need not have to register with the Registrar of Societies, which is a more complicated process. Residents' associations provide interaction among residents leading to better relations, and this is to be encouraged.

Handing over a small allocation from the federal or state government is not going to bankrupt them, and should be provided annually.

Incidentally, I want to comment on the national patriotic songs aired on RTM TV and radio. I feel that not only the 'Malaysia Madani' song should be aired after news bulletins but also the melodic patriotic songs of yesteryear such as 'Malaysia kita sudah berjaya', 'Setia, Tanggal 31 Ogos'; 'Bahasa jiwa bangsa'; and others from Aug 15 to Sept 16.

Many of these songs have been forgotten and should be broadcast during the Merdeka-Malaysia Day season.

In conclusion, I have penned a short poem about the situation hoping it will get better in our homeland, Malaysia.

Whither our beloved country?

A polarised nation we have become:

The Cry of Merdeka! sounds hollow to some,

People, politicians and leaders are to blame

For the goodwill and harmony long gone.

East and West Malaysia together are one

Yet to our neighbours we are lukewarm!

Our beloved country like this cannot go on

It is time to restore unity in our 'home'!

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.