A government office building with the flags raised.
KOTA KINABALU: The month of August is special in the lives of all Malaysians as it commemorates the country’s Independence Day.
It is a time of celebration with patriotism in the spirit of freedom and being together as a nation to go forward in growth.
Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) chairman Muhammad Firdaus Joseph Abdullah expressed his hope that individuals or establishments who are flying the flag would ensure that the old ones are changed. The old ones all tattered and torn do not portray patriotism, he says adding they should be taken down and changed with new ones.
Commending City Hall’s effort in flying the flags and also the distribution of these items, he says this effort must be complemented by the people’s endeavor in flying new flags to show their patriotism.
Firdaus stresses that the national flag is a symbol of honor and dignity and every citizen should be proud of it and respect it, not only during the Independence month but throughout their lives.
A mother of three teenagers and Sabah Cancer Volunteers Association (SCVA) member, Susan Charles agrees, saying that respect for the national flag is often inculcated in children from a young age.
“Parents should instill this sense of respect to their children, so that these young people have proper respect for our flag. In the long run, they also have to understand what flags are and what they symbolise.”
However there might be young parents who are not too sure about its significance either, so teachers in school need to tell their pupils what flags are and what they signify. This knowledge can be taught in History lessons or Civics, she says.
According to her the KBR system in the past was very good at inculcating this sort of knowledge and during her time in school, these lessons of flags and patriotism were never left out.
Augustine Binson, a father of three teenagers who is attached to Sabah Parks, concurs with Susan saying that parents have the responsibility to educate their children to appreciate their country and respect their flags. This will make them better citizen in future.
“It is very important especially at these times with all the mishaps that our country has gone through. Flying the flag will be a show of solidarity and our perseverance against all odds. This is to tell the world that we are a free and independent nation.”
He also believes that old tattered flags should be taken down and changed with new ones.
Stella Moluntang an executive staff of a hotel, concurs saying the importance of the flags both national and State have to be inculcated in the young ones.
“We learned of the importance of our flags from a young age, we learned our history and that made us proud of who we are now. Maybe parents are too busy to tell children of these matters now.”
“I am however curious, as to what flags some mini buses are displaying. I have seen some strange unidentified flags on them.” Maybe the relevant authorities should monitor this.
Ronnie Onginjan of Kg Kimihang Kudat, a renowned producer of Virgin Coconut Oil is a father of grown children and he believes that he has instilled the importance of flags and the nation history in his children.
“Patriotism among our people is very high and their support of flying the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ is undoubted and undisputed. Unfortunately their economic situation may not allow them to buy the flags as they would just have enough to buy their basic needs. This is especially true for rural folks.”
“In the rural area some people know they are Sabahans and are proud of it but they don’t know much about flags. They don’t know much about us being part of Malaysia.”
“This can be fueled by the fact that some people from the Peninsula asked me recently ‘Bila nak datang ke Malaysia’ which is very interesting as it showed his ignorance. The person is a well-educated man and as such he should know that we are part of Malaysia. So we can’t really fault rural folks who might not be as educated as he is.”
There is also confusion about flags among them.
“Some rural communities, unfortunately only know political flags given to them freely during the State elections.”
He stresses that it is important for everyone to recognise and respect the flags both State and National.
Benedict Bototol, a school Teacher and Village Community Development and Security (JKKK) Chairman for Kg Kopimpinan Kawang concurs saying that everyone has a role in inculcating the significance of flags to their children.
He says at home parents play their role in this matter and in schools, the teachers should carry out their duties.
This is to ensure that children as citizens and leaders of tomorrow have the love and reverence for their flags and loyalty to their country.