Kuala lumpur: Flying the Jalur Gemilang in the lead-up to National Day is not merely symbolic, but a collective call to reignite a sense of pride in being a citizen of a sovereign and independent Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a researcher with the Nationhood and Social Wellbeing Research Group at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azhar Abd Hamid, emphasized the importance of the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of sovereignty, unity, and spirit of the nation. He noted that its significance should be understood and respected by every Malaysian.
Mohd Azhar pointed out that some segments of society have become indifferent to patriotic gestures, particularly the act of flying the Jalur Gemilang, viewing it as merely a government-driven campaign. He stressed that each shade and color on the flag holds historical significance, embodying principles of nationhood and the values of Malaysian life, marking the people’s love for independence achieved through great sacrifice.
He further explained that the decline in patriotic sentiment, especially among the younger generation, could be due to a lack of historical awareness and a perception that the National Day campaign has little relevance to their daily lives. Recognizing that patriotism cannot be imposed, he suggested nurturing it through contemporary approaches such as the strategic use of social media, history-based innovation competitions, and active participation by local communities.
Additionally, Mohd Azhar, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the School of Human Resource Development and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UTM, highlighted the “1 House 1 Jalur Gemilang” initiative. This initiative, introduced in conjunction with the 2025 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM2025), is seen as an effective platform for instilling patriotic values. The campaign, which was first introduced during last year’s National Day celebrations, continues this year with the addition of two new clusters-Industry and Government Agencies-bringing the total number of implementation clusters to seven.
Last year, 698 programmes were successfully carried out under the initiative, covering five initial clusters: Education, Higher Education, Health, Security, and Community. These programmes encouraged Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang at homes, offices, business premises, government buildings, and on private vehicles.
Meanwhile, political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) remarked that the campaign could serve as a meaningful catalyst for reviving national spirit if conducted with an inclusive, heartfelt approach that resonates with the people. He emphasized that the campaign is not just about displaying the national flag, but also a starting point for conversations about history, national values, and responsibilities as Malaysians.
Sivamurugan added that the involvement of the education, industry, and community sectors makes the message of patriotism more relevant and relatable in people’s daily lives. This message can be strengthened through digital technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and by cultivating daily practices that shape civic values and social ethics. He stressed the importance of becoming citizens who understand, respect, and embrace national values, while upholding good manners and civic-mindedness, rooted in the Federal Constitution and guided by the principles of the Rukun Negara.
The theme “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni” remains the official theme for the HKHM2025 celebration, with the Malaysia MADANI logo continuing as the official logo. The 2025 National Day celebration will be held at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31, and Malaysia Day will be celebrated in Penang on Sept 16.