'Putrajaya not leading by example with flags'

Despite being the administrative capital, Putrajaya itself is not leading by example in hoisting national flags ahead of National Day celebrations, Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said today.

Shabery told a press conference at his ministry today that Putrajaya “disappointed him the most”, as government quarters are still lacking flags.

“They are still waiting for the government to give them flags,” he said.

He said that the situation is in stark contrast with other neighbouring countries where everyone displays patriotism despite political differences.

"This can't be because of the issue of government and the opposition. Neighbouring countries too have strong oppositions, but when it comes to independence day, they remain united," he said.

"In Thailand, there was even a power grab. Political differences are not to the extent of differences in opinion alone, but yet they display their flags when it comes to independence day," he added.

Shabery said his ministry would study this trait further and examine why the government's own staff have not started putting up flags at their quarters.

"This is something very uneasy for me," he admitted.

Shabery had earlier chaired a committee meeting on Saturday’s Merdeka celebrations and noted that the army's display of defence assets during the Merdeka parade would be the most on display in recent history.

"I urge all Malaysians to flood the streets for the Merdeka Dday celebrations. If they can do that for a Malaysia Cup (football) victory, surely they can do so for this occasion too," he said.