Non-Malays have been branded 'pendatang' and accused of being of ungrateful

Now, of all people, a deputy minister has perceived them to be unpatriotic.

This is really an insult to the non-Malays, who are mostly Chinese and Indians. After more than 50 years of independence, it's staggering their patriotism to the country is questioned.

This is the unkindest cut to the many non-Malays who laid down their lives in defence of the nation during the emergency.

What does patriotism mean?

A search on web, defines it as devoted love, support, and defence of one's country; national loyalty.

In times of peace, patriotism need not be confined to joining armed forces to express our national loyalty.

Anyone who contributes to the wellbeing of the country is patriotic.

A farmer who toils tirelessly on the field to make sure that fellow Malaysians are not short of vegetables, is one example.

Similarly, a road sweeper who keeps the streets clean is also a patriot. In short, anyone who honestly serves the nation is a patriot in his own right.

In return, can I ask how many of our leaders and government officers have the patriotic spirit? Many of them just occupy the position for self-interest, nothing more.

Do you regard an MB as patriotic when he is caught with millions, intended to invest in properties in Australia?

Similarly, did Ahmad Zahid question the loyalty of a CM who is known to have invested millions in Canada and Europe?

What about the reports of children of prime ministers and ministers buying expensive houses in Canada and Australia?

Than what about reports of children of ministers buying properties in faraway lands?

A patriot will know no other place that is better than Malaysia.
On the local front, there is so much corruption and abuse of power by Umno leaders. There was one whose mansion is built on land meant for the poor.

Was that an act of patriotism?

Then there were so many cases of overpriced contracts given to Umno members.

Didn't the successful bidders feel that they should be helping the nation save money instead?

What about Najib's official residence that was just built but needed to be renovated to the tune of millions?

Did Najib feel that there is no need for such exorbitant expenditure, while the rakyat are eking meagre sums just to make ends meet?
Then what about the poor control of funds managed by mostly government officers?

If they had national interests at heart, there won't be such practices.

Each sen saved means more going towards development for the nation.

Sadly, this attribute is sorely lacking and to many, lining their own pockets is more important that serving the nation.

Anyway, the reasons for non-Malays to join the armed forces are well known.

Repeating them is purely academic. And I think those reasons will not sink into the skulls of the leaders who would rather use the issue, as Ahmad Zahid has done, to further their own selfish agenda.