2 months down the road, we’re going to celebrate 50 years of nationhood with Deputy Information Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi heading the roadshow and publicity committee.

As a start, the Government through the Prime Minister’s Department would distribute more than one million flags where the deputy minister was quoted as saying the Government has decided that all private homes and buildings located close to roads fly the "Jalur Gemilang" national flag from July 17.

"The people should also play their part by flying the Jalur Gemilang to display their patriotism and affection to this blessed nation," he said.

A few hours afterwards, he was quoted by Bernama with an almost similar statement, albeit with a different tone.

"We hope the people will translate their loyalty by raising flags at home and at business premises," he said.

But really, as much as I’d fly the jalur gemilang at my residence and vehicle before and after the national day, I don’t believe that would make me look like more of a patriotic Malaysian. On other hand, even if the majority does not  heed the flying instruction, that doesn’t make the majority of Malaysians less Malaysian either.

In fact, to say that raising flags at home or at business premises as an act of patriotism towards this country or even a more serious note, as an act of translating the loyalty towards this country into action is an overstatement.

Now, let’s take a look into the keyword here, which is patriotism. According to the definition at dictionary.com, patriotism is about devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.

While displaying jalur gemilang is merely a symbolic way of showing patriotism and loyalty towards this country, the more practical ways of showing patriotism is to exercise your voting rights, becoming active in the political process of this country, continue to work with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (but don’t work for him), cakap serupa bikin like our Prime Minister, speak more of Bahasa Malaysia (not Bahasa Melayu), avoid driving like Mat Cemerlang, not to indulge in corruption, not to blame million of external factors when your work is semi-completed with semi-quality, not to condemn others as stupid when you’re nowhere better than an idiot and etc.

But really, besides displaying the jalur gemilang, there are so many ways for us to show patriotism towards Malaysia.

Happy 50th birthday in advance, Malaysia!

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