Let’s fly the Jalur Gemilang, not our party flags

Every day, I raise the Jalur Gemilang flag on either side of my gate, regardless of the season or who is in power. My intention is to demonstrate to my children and neighbors that patriotism should not be seasonal or contingent upon who resides in Putrajaya. However, I fail to see this spirit reflected throughout Malaysia. Every August, the same pattern emerges: a Bernama survey conducted prior to National Day 2025 found that only a select few business establishments along Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman displayed the Jalur Gemilang.

The majority of flags were those erected by municipal authorities. In Kampung Baru, only a limited number of homes flew the flag. In Kedah's districts of Kota Setar, Pendang, and Yan, many premises and residences remained unflyered. A resident commented, "Perhaps it isn't mandatory, so they don't care, but they should at least display one flag as an indication of love for the nation."

This isn't an isolated case. A previous Bernama survey across six states yielded similar results: government buildings and schools proudly flew the national colors, but homes and vehicles were almost devoid of any patriotic displays. A civil servant provided an insightful explanation: patriotism is now expressed more often through social media rather than through physically hoisting a flag.

According to a 2018 survey by Kajidata Research, the perception of pride in being Malaysian has significantly diminished – from 98.3% in 2017 to 75.5% in 2018, and National Day celebrations attended by Malaysians have fallen from 80.2% to 67% over the same period. Academics from Universiti Putra Malaysia have observed that for a segment of the population, the national flag is no longer viewed as a representation of Malaysian identity.

When there are no compulsion or personal incentives associated with it, flying the flag is considered a "seasonal activity" rather than a lasting expression of belonging.

More recently, researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's nationhood and social wellbeing research group discovered that the decline in patriotic sentiment, particularly among younger Malaysians, is attributed to a lack of historical awareness and a belief that National Day festivities have drifted away from everyday challenges.

Some perceive flag-flying campaigns as superficial or mere government-driven exercises. This final point is the most concerning to me. If Malaysians are refraining from flying the flag due to distrust in the government or resentment towards a specific political party, then we have misguided our focus. The Jalur Gemilang does not belong to any minister, coalition, or prime minister.

It belongs to the fisherman in Kuala Terengganu, the rubber tapper's offspring in Segamat, the trader in Kota Kinabalu, and the retiree in Rawang maintaining his garden. It belongs to all of us, irrespective of our electoral choices or inactivity. I still recall the distinct atmosphere when Mohamed Rahmat, affectionately known as "Tok Mat," held the position of Information Minister.

Through his "Setia Bersama Rakyat" initiative, he achieved something remarkably simple yet potent: he made patriotism feel personal and enjoyable rather than official and obligatory. At that time, the Jalur Gemilang adorned office buildings and budget accommodations alike, the hoods of Mercedes and the handlebars of trishaws and motorcycles.

Nobody inquired about one's political affiliation before affixing a flag to their bicycle. We flew it simply because we were proud, period. What happened to that spirit? I believe Malaysians did not lose their love for their country; I think it got entangled with approval or disapproval of those in power. We began confusing the flag with the government, and when disillusionment with politicians set in, we quietly removed our flags instead of separating the two.

This intermingling is the crucial insight worth considering – it's not apathy that's causing the decline, but rather misdirected political frustration.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has introduced the 2026 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign, encouraging young Malaysians to remember the sacrifices made during our nation's fight for independence. Campaigns such as these are valuable, but they cannot accomplish everything on their own. They necessitate active participation from ordinary Malaysians like you and me to acknowledge that our allegiance to this land surpasses our dissatisfaction with any leader, party, or policy.

Therefore, I urge you, fellow Malaysian, to install a flag. Not just during August or for social media purposes; rather, make it a permanent fixture - on your gate, balcony, car, or motorcycle basket. If you disagree with the government, express your concerns; that is your democratic right. However, ensure your criticism is conveyed through words, votes, and civic actions, not through an empty flagpole.

My two flags have endured monsoons and political turmoil, and they have never once sought to know my electoral choices. Let's set aside our political disagreements and have the Jalur Gemilang grace every Malaysian home without fail. Let's raise it together.