– Dr Amar Singh and Dr Lim Swee Im
The Malaysian Insider
August 28, 2013

There is an impression conveyed by the authorities that if you do not fly the Malaysian flag then you are not patriotic. Flying the flag means little if your life and “internals and motives of the heart” are not patriotic.

True patriotism is not about flying a flag or shouting slogans. True patriotism is:

– Respecting everyone in the nation, irrespective of ethnicity or social status,

– Supporting all segments of our population, especially those struggling and marginalised,

– Working together to protect our land – both the people and the environment (flora and fauna).

It is not important whether a Malaysian makes a public display of our flag or not. It is more important that every Malaysian has a heart of love for all the people of this land. That we share our resources and lives. That we have a collective dream and make it into a reality, a dream that is called Malaysia.

Unpatriotic acts are common and regularly practised. They include:

– Pushing for a Malay-sia rather than a Malaysia (inclusive of all people groups),

– Sharing the wealth of the nation with a few cronies and corrupt practices amongst those in power,

– Using power to oppress others in small and big ways,

– Acts of hypocrisy where words and actions differ, all empty talk with no meaningful action.

These days many of our leaders seem to be extreme in their comments, more interested in having a Malay-sia rather than a Malaysia. Much of their words are poison and very unpatriotic.

Their deeds leave us wondering if they even care about Malaysia. They are happy to rip off the country, abuse our hard earned tax dollars and ignore the poor. Their children and families live in lavish conditions while a sizeable portion of our people continue to struggle daily to survive.

Our leaders are helping to make people become more cynical, sceptical and fearful and protective of their own ethnic and religious group’s survival. Instead of instilling hopes for a better Malaysia for all, they are instilling despair and divisiveness.

As Merdeka and Malaysia Day approach we look not for some empty words, endless broken promises that do not materialise, but a reality shown in the real lives of our leaders. We have progressed little as a country in our nationhood.

Whilst we have more hope in the people than the government in creating a united patriotic Malaysia, we still want to have hope that our own government will one day make us proud and happy to say “Saya Anak Malaysia”.

We see more patriotism amongst ordinary Malaysians who may not fly the flag nor boast about being patriotic. They simply go about their daily ordinary lives, being more colour blind than many of our own leaders. It is these simple ordinary people who give us hope for a true Malaysia, people who show respect and kindness to all.

When leaders fail us, the people must take the lead. Let us join together in pushing for a true patriotism. One that comes from the heart with meaningful love and kindness. One that is expressed in words and action which bless and heal.

One that is clearly seen in everyday deeds of true kindness. We must work to uphold the rights of all Malaysians, irrespective of ethnicity or religion. – August 28, 2013.