SIBU: Love and patriotism for the country should come from the heart and not under the compulsion of the law, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.
He said all premises should fly the Jalur Gemilang, but this should not be made so by the law.
The Communications and Multimedia Ministry would study the need to introduce a law to make it compulsory for every premises to fly the Jalur Gemilang throughout Merdeka month.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek had said such a law was necessary because many premises and buildings, especially those owned by private organisations, did not understand the need or importance of flying the Jalur Gemilang to show their love for the nation.
In response, Abdul Karim said the reflection of loyalty must come from the heart and not done because the law required it.
“Not necessary for that law please. Teach the citizens to love and be proud of the country,” added the Asajaya assemblyman.
A councillor of Maradong District Council, Felician Teo, said Ahmad Shabery’s heart was in the right place by advocating the flying of the national flag to be made compulsory.
“However, by making people fly the national flag does not necessarily make them more patriotic. Patriotism is defined as a national sentiment which emphasises on aspects of loyalty and love to the nation.
“Patriotism cannot be instilled by the passing of a legislation compelling people to fly the national flag,” Teo opined.
He said inculcating the spirit of patriotism required an individual to feel a true sense of belonging and pride about the nation’s history and achievements.
Historical knowledge, literacy and national symbols like the Jalur Gemilang were important assets which could forge a strong national identity, he added.
“The Jalur Gemilang must be able to elicit an emotional response or passion from people in order for them to fly it voluntarily as a symbol of their national identity and pride.
“Unfortunately, forcing people to fly it because the law says so will only achieve the opposite effect,” Teo reiterated.