Are you one of the many people who are sick of politicians annually questioning the loyalty and patriotism of fellow Malaysians every Merdeka month?
To the politicians, it seems the only way to gauge one’s patriotism is whether she displays Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag).This is the most simplistic way of judging nationalistic fervour. Truth be known, flag is sacrosanct to every country and in no way, should we subject it to soot and grime but instead, should always handle it with great protocol and care. Certainly, to garb in it is to show disrespect. Worse still, some ignorant patriots proudly display flag but don’t even know how to fold it or subject it to wear and tear after a certain period of time.
Let me state unequivocally that it is of no point displaying flags but continue to:
1. Condone kickback when handing out contracts or when detaining people for criminal acts.
2. Pit Malaysians against each other through spewing of racist remarks and implementation of policies detrimental to Malaysians of other races.
3. Muzzle the media and subject them to yearly renewal of licence.
4. Unilaterally detain political dissents under the draconian ISA.
5. Ignore all (study or business) loans which have been given.
6. Not granting permission to build places of worship for other religions.
7. Flagrantly commit crimes, no matter how minor.
8. Have double standards by conveniently applying two different laws for people.
9. Deny people legal recourse at secular courts.
10. Dirty public places by leaving rubbish everywhere after having good time at waterfalls.
11. Make political parties the sole domain for certain races.
12. Suppress Malaysians rights to have mature discourse.
Admittedly, there are many Malaysians who do not readily display our flag but that doesn’t mean we are any less patriotic than the flag-waving Malaysians.
Next time before you accuse other Malaysians of not being patriotic enough, it will be helpful to put your own house in order first.
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