Dear Editor,
National flag debacle deserves wider, stricter enforcement too
The case of a news daily having featured on its papers with a wrong Jalur Gemilang is indeed a timely reminder of the significance of national flags.
In an immediate reaction to the debacle, the KDN Ministry stated rightly that “The Jalur Gemilang is not merely a piece of fabric. It is a symbol of Malaysia’s sovereignty, unity, and national identity. It must be treated with utmost respect by all”.
While appropriate action fairly and justly should be expected without politicising the case in question, it is time too that the government – at both State and Federal levels, paid serious attention to how Malaysians have similarly shown little care and pride to our priceless national symbol, the Jalur Gemilang.
I have on several occassions in the past raised concerns over the tattered, weathered, faded state of the Jalur Gemilang displayed on vehicles and hoisted at premises of business as well as in schools, parks and even around government buildings.
Only some media gave print space to my Letters on this grave concern. Sadly, others saw it as not of significance, i guess.
But the fact remains that there is no action being taken on all these individuals and organisations showing total disrespect, insenstivity and a lack of care for our national flags.
Do not tell me that these errant persons/organisations cannot afford to buy and display a fresh, clean looking flag.
Likewise all printers need to take a share in the responsibility of producing materials featuring our national flag devoid of errors.
Sadly some quarters have even postured that patriotism is not measured in the raising and displaying of a national flag.
A recent issue is the education ministry implementing the wearing badges/patches of the national flag on uniforms.
Believe it or not there are pockets that argue that getting our young to wear the badge of our Jalur Gemilang would put financial pressure on parents.
Others have stated that it cannot guarantee the instilling of values associated with sovereignty, unity, and national identity.
The national flag is the fulcrum of nationhood. Displaying the flag with care, responsibility and love is non negotiable. Period.
All over the world and all through human history – and especially in times of war and strife, a nation’s flag is respected, upheld and cherished to reflect patriotism to the dot.
We need to re-appraise the disdain and indifference to the significance and power of our Jalur Gemilang in the country.
While the news daily in question will have learnt a precious lesson, the authorities must ensure that the pride of place and respect for our country’s national and State flags is duly enforced and observed – be it in schools, goverment buildings, business premises, on highways and roads or even on vehicles.
Let us correct this weakness in time.
J. D. Lovrenciear
