The 51st anniversary ofl our independence is just around the corner. Watching the Jalur Gemilang flutter in the breeze in our garden elicits a sense of elation. Since our residents' committee was set up two years ago, we had embarked on a community programmed to instill a sense of belonging and ownership among the residents through various activities that promote good neighbourliness and good will among the various races, by focussing on common issues of concern like crime prevention and other issues that effect the residents' everyday life. And the local police are regular invited guest at various functions and festivities.
Our flag flying campaign for Merdeka is in its third year. The target is one house, one flag, and though falling short of 100%, the response of more than 90% of the residents is a morale booster. The few who are reluctant to fly have the usual grudges and complaints on the government's less than just implementation of certain policies.
While we admit that this disgruntlement does have legitimate grounds,we should also be rational enough to distinguish between support for the government of the day and loyalty to our country of birth. if the government of the day is seen to be inefficient, unjust or corrupt, it can be changed or removed through the ballot box. But our position as legitimate citizens of Malaysia, as enshrined in the Constitution, remains unchanged and that is where our loyalty lies.
Of course, not flying the flag for independence day does not necessarily mean one is unpatriotic. By the same token, flying the flag does not necessarily mean we endorse a government to expectation. But, first as a citizen and than as a patriot, our allegiance must be to Malaysia an it is incumbent upon us to keep a watchful eye on those who are given the mandate to manage this country to ensure that they do not abuse their positions to the detriment of the nation.
Back to our taman, the flapping of the flags in the steady breeze is a pretty sights to behold.
Our flag flying campaign for Merdeka is in its third year. The target is one house, one flag, and though falling short of 100%, the response of more than 90% of the residents is a morale booster. The few who are reluctant to fly have the usual grudges and complaints on the government's less than just implementation of certain policies.
While we admit that this disgruntlement does have legitimate grounds,we should also be rational enough to distinguish between support for the government of the day and loyalty to our country of birth. if the government of the day is seen to be inefficient, unjust or corrupt, it can be changed or removed through the ballot box. But our position as legitimate citizens of Malaysia, as enshrined in the Constitution, remains unchanged and that is where our loyalty lies.
Of course, not flying the flag for independence day does not necessarily mean one is unpatriotic. By the same token, flying the flag does not necessarily mean we endorse a government to expectation. But, first as a citizen and than as a patriot, our allegiance must be to Malaysia an it is incumbent upon us to keep a watchful eye on those who are given the mandate to manage this country to ensure that they do not abuse their positions to the detriment of the nation.
Back to our taman, the flapping of the flags in the steady breeze is a pretty sights to behold.
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