Thursday, August 09, 2007
Malaysian flags:Where are they?
I recall vividly thousands of national flags waving in the wind;from rooftops, decrepit apartment blocks, chinese coffee shops, battered taxi roofs, lorries, vehicles, back in 1998. It was during the financial crisis when all Malaysians felt that a stand had to be made, to reaffirm our love for this country during a dark moment in her history. Flags continued to be part of the city landscape during the run up to Merdeka for consequent years but lately, the ubiquitious little plastic national flags has suddenly become a rarity in Kuala Lumpur. I can't speak for other parts of the country but here in the largest city in Malaysia, I can hardly spot a car, apartment or office block adorned with that ultimate patriotic symbol - the national flag.
It is all the more surprising when one recalls that this year - 2007 - is Malaysia's 50th Merdeka celebrations (never mind that Sabah and Sarawak is not exactly enamoured by this turn of events, especially when they consider 1963 as the pivotal year when Malaysia was officially formed). Last year, the government continued to urge Malaysians to fly the flag, with some Ministers trying the tired old tactic of accusing the Chinese of a lack of patriotism because they were not flying the flag. They of course conveniently forgot that many Malays were also not flying the flag.
This year, with so much talk about the half century celebrations, the public is surprising quiet i.e translated into a no-flag moment from virtually any part of the city. I have yet to see a taxi with a flag stuck on the roof. And the most telling part is I have not come across any statements by politicians urging Malaysians to fly the flag as this is a very special year for Malaysia. It seems like nobody in UMNO is bothered as well. MCA and Gerakan are of course very quiet since they know they would be asking for a backlash from the Chinese community if they make a public statement about the importance of flying the flag. We can of course all forget about that minor inconsequential party called the MIC.
Actually the apathy demonstrated by this development is deafening and it is a powerful statement which the government, I am sure, is aware of but powerless to stop. The government over the years have cleverly diffused the message that being apathetic is a good thing because it makes it easier for the ruling party to push its agenda cloaked as a national mission. I suppose that same apathy carefully cultivated over the years is out in full bloom for all to see. I don't for one second blame Malaysians for this lack of patriotism - as one friend of mine stated: flying the flag is akin to supporting UMNO and its agenda, it is not about showing love for the country. I think that pretty much sums it all up doesn't it? ¶ 5:29 PM
It is all the more surprising when one recalls that this year - 2007 - is Malaysia's 50th Merdeka celebrations (never mind that Sabah and Sarawak is not exactly enamoured by this turn of events, especially when they consider 1963 as the pivotal year when Malaysia was officially formed). Last year, the government continued to urge Malaysians to fly the flag, with some Ministers trying the tired old tactic of accusing the Chinese of a lack of patriotism because they were not flying the flag. They of course conveniently forgot that many Malays were also not flying the flag.
This year, with so much talk about the half century celebrations, the public is surprising quiet i.e translated into a no-flag moment from virtually any part of the city. I have yet to see a taxi with a flag stuck on the roof. And the most telling part is I have not come across any statements by politicians urging Malaysians to fly the flag as this is a very special year for Malaysia. It seems like nobody in UMNO is bothered as well. MCA and Gerakan are of course very quiet since they know they would be asking for a backlash from the Chinese community if they make a public statement about the importance of flying the flag. We can of course all forget about that minor inconsequential party called the MIC.
Actually the apathy demonstrated by this development is deafening and it is a powerful statement which the government, I am sure, is aware of but powerless to stop. The government over the years have cleverly diffused the message that being apathetic is a good thing because it makes it easier for the ruling party to push its agenda cloaked as a national mission. I suppose that same apathy carefully cultivated over the years is out in full bloom for all to see. I don't for one second blame Malaysians for this lack of patriotism - as one friend of mine stated: flying the flag is akin to supporting UMNO and its agenda, it is not about showing love for the country. I think that pretty much sums it all up doesn't it? ¶ 5:29 PM
