The true measure of patriotism

Is someone patriotic when they improve the lot of Malaysians, or when they take pride in the rituals of patriotism, like flying the flag or bidding for a number plate?

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When the “Patriot 1” number plate attracted a bid of RM1,308,000, at auction, some people said, “The person who owns “Patriot 1” is very patriotic”, whilst others lamented, “I have no spare cash, so others will think I am unpatriotic.”

In 2010, the erstwhile Ipoh Mayor, Roshidi Hashim warned businesses, in Ipoh, that a failure to fly the Jalur Gemilang outside their premises on Merdeka Day, and the Perak flag on the Ruler’s birthday, April 19, would result in fines or blacklisting.

Furious citizens vented their outrage against the Perak mayor and said, “Is patriotism measured by the flying of the flag?” and “When interest in flying the flag wanes, as it must after August 31, does that mean Malaysians are less patriotic?”

At the time, the Ipoh, Amnesty International (AI) local group chief Zakaria Yahaya blasted Roshidi and said that force should never be used on people and suggested that the mayor use persuasion instead of force.

The Ipoh Ratepayers and Tax payers Association deputy president, at the time, Victor Shankey criticised both Roshidi and the city council for being “extreme” and said, “The showing of patriotism and loyalty (by Malaysians) does not come through force but through love for the country and state”.

Zahid Hamidi, when he was the Minister of Defence said that non-Malays had a “low spirit of patriotism” as only 1.2 per cent of them joined the armed forces, in the 2008/2009 recruitment, compared with 98.2 per cent bumiputera.

Zahid’s remarks were trashed when both Malays and non-Malays cited several courageous acts, perpetrated by non-Malays, in defence of the nation and its fight against communism.

The controversial NGO Yayasan Patriot Negara Malaysia (YPN), which was granted the rights to auction the “patriot” number plates, claims that it will use the proceeds from the auction to promote “patriotism”.

YPN has refused to divulge details, or explain how patriotism can be “promoted”. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has dismissed allegations that the auction was a lucrative business for a crony, despite YPN’s president being a former Umno-Baru executive secretary and several members of one particular family, being committee members.

JPJ claims that it will only rescind its contract with YPN if the NGO breaks the terms and conditions. As expected, and in common with other public-interest cases involving abuse of power and lack of transparency, the MACC appears disinterested in pursuing the allegations of cronyism that have been levelled against YPN.

World War Two, our Confrontation with Indonesia and the Malayan Emergency, produced many patriotic Malayans/Malaysians, with some paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Is patriotism measured only by the bearing of arms? Can patriotism be expressed by flying a flag? Employees of MAS could be considered true patriots, for representing all that is Malaysian such as their hospitality, their kindness and the manner in which they discharge their duties, in transporting you safely. Is the government’s interference in MAS’ administration, the corruption in MAS or the manner with which MAS staff are treated, considered patriotic?

Would the person who manages to win medals in an international sporting event, like the Olympics, be considered a patriot? Or are Malaysian sportsmen considered self-serving individuals who may be good at their particular sport but are financial mercenaries, who become rich through sponsorship deals and advertising revenue?

The company which exports its products, brings in much needed currency, provides jobs for Malaysians and makes Malaysia proud, could be considered patriotic. Being patriotic is not just about bearing arms, political ideology, flying the flag or sporting prowess.

At the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Horatio Nelson said, “England expects that every man will do his duty.” So, what is “doing one’s duty”, in these modern times, when many do not know the struggles of being a freedom fighter, or the horrors of living through the communist threat, as many experienced during “The Emergency”?

In today’s world, Muslim fundamentalists threaten the harmony of many countries, and also their economic and social stability, besides damaging world peace. So, would fighting against extremists be considered patriotic? If we were to fight against IS and its flawed ideology, would the Malays and Muslims view us as the enemy?

Would being an activist, and fighting for a cause which will unite a country be considered patriotic? Are the people who highlighted the endemic corruption, abuse of power and siphoning of taxpayers money into private bank accounts considered patriotic?

Is a patriotic Malaysian someone who acts to improve the lot of Malaysians, or someone who feels pride in the rituals of patriotism, like flying a flag?