When August comes knocking, our politicians sound their clarion call without fail. They urge, coax and of late even threaten Malaysians into unfurling their love for the country by flying the national flag or Jalur Gemilang.

So is flying the flag a yardstick for patriotism? Four people, including a former deputy premier and award-winning producer, say what is in the heart and mind is more important.


Former deputy premier Musa Hitam

I am a patriot. I take myself to be a patriot. Patriotism to me is much deeper than symbolism even though symbolism is very important. So the display of the flag is symbolic but it is much deeper than that. It is a sense of pride, a sense of belonging, a sense of preparedness to sacrifice to the country - that is patriotism.

Only you know if you are patriotic. The fact that you don't carry the flag does not mean that you are not a patriot. It is important though. It is important for you to sing the national anthem, to carry the flag, making declarations. Yes, it helps to marshal people and make them conscious. But to me what is more important is deep inside.

We don't have a test now because things are so good. The real test would be when things are difficult. I have been through a period when after May 13, 1969, there was shame on the Chinese to be a Malaysian. Immediately after the formation of Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak, you come across people who say, I am a Sabahan or Sarawakian, never mention they are Malaysian. But now, they have, that is part of patriotism.

The Malaysian Chinese are very proud to be Malaysians. But that takes generations. Compare the Malay mentality middle of the way until now towards the Chinese and Indians - you can see a convergence. It is because these are part of the success stories of Malaysia.

I have travelled everywhere in the world and I feel a surge of pride every time I land in Malaysia. Get into a taxi or into a car and oh my god, what a relief. And I have seen a lot. You may imagine it but I have seen a lot even compared with some developed countries thanks to this slow but sure development of patriotism.


Movie producer Erma Fathima

Merdeka is not about going to KLCC to watch artistes singing or admiring the fireworks in Dataran Merdeka! It is about our responsibilities to religion, race and country. Our ancestors have done their part in fighting for independence but the struggle did not stop on Aug 31, 1957. We have to continue what they started and I think this is a harder task.

Patriotism is not a feeling that comes once a year but it is something that is embedded in you. Dates and flags are mere symbols but a true depiction of patriotism is making positive contributions to the country. Everyone can do so in their own way.

For example, artistes should always take advantage of their talent and creativity. People relate to art, it is a short cut to a person's soul. You can reach them through your dramas, songs and performances to make them aware of their responsibilities. Performing at Merdeka celebration concerts is not enough.


Human rights lawyer Edmund Bon

To me there is no such thing as Merdeka. Our colonial masters may have left us but we still subscribe to their ways. The country still exercises the divide and rule practice ... just like the British had done. We still have the ISA (Internal Security Act - a law which allows detention without trial) although the communist have long gone. So what freedom? What Merdeka?

Of course, the leaders talk about Malaysian society, one race nation and so on but to me that is all "coffeeshop talk" because their policies say otherwise. We are not a free and civil society like most independent states. Of course we are physically free... free to go out for dinner, there is no calamity like some other countries. But our mentality is very much restricted.

Those who express their opinions and grouses openly are often given strange looks. In schools when you speak out, the teacher tells you to shut up. Our principles are controlled by economic benefits. Many of us neglect the importance of intellectual freedom. We are denied the freedom to experiment living and this is why we have not progressed.

But all these feelings do not mean that I am not patriotic or that I do not feel anything for my country. Of course I do. But at the same time, it's very hard for me to express that. The law says everyone is treated equal but the NEP (New Economic Policy) treats non-Malays like second-class citizens.

So it's hard to express your patriotism. But I try to do so by being involved in human rights activities. I try to help lessen the violation of human rights which is rampant in out country..that is my contribution.


School teacher Mohd Radhi Ismail

We will be truly independent if our souls are free. This is what is most important. I feel that we are not truly independent yet because we are still attached to other people ... our laws. Our values are not free yet ... this shows that our colonial master is still with us.

For example, when we talk about development, we make our assessment on a scale adopted by others like the United States, for example. We eagerly wait for them to recognise our development. Why does it have to be this way?

If we are truly Merdeka, we should have our own yardstick. Malaysia should have its own unique scale to assess our development. As a country where the people hold dearly to culture and religion, our scale should be different.

I don't think economy is the only aspect of development. Development of humanity is much more important but unfortunately we are lacking in this area. A truly independent state would promote such values as it helps develop good human relations and a just society. If we are developed in this area, other types of development will follow naturally.

As what religious scholar Yusuf Qardhawi said, 'The success of a nation can be seen from its youth. If our youth are healthy mentally and physically, the future would be good for us'.

But looking at our youths... the future looks pretty bad.

You don't need to fly the flag to show your patriotism. There are many ways to show that we love Malaysia ... like being committed in providing quality education or ... to fight corruption.

Surely this is a much better way. But of course, such commitments are difficult to maintain especially when the policy concentrates on catching the errant small fish while the big fish escape the hook.