Kuala lumpur: Any dissatisfaction or discontent with the country is not a licence or permit to insult the national flag. Legal and constitutional expert Associate Professor Datuk Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz said public awareness of the correct and respectful use of the Jalur Gemilang must be strengthened to safeguard the country’s dignity and sovereignty. She emphasized that the adult generation must act as role models for the youth, upholding good practices in handling and displaying the flag to ensure that these become a legacy for future generations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamrahayu pointed out that in recent years, various mistakes have been made by Malaysians in using or hoisting the flag, such as flying it upside down, darkening its colors, or displaying flags with incorrect numbers of stars or points. She noted that these errors reflect the identity of Malaysians themselves and warned that improper use or display of the flag could tarnish the country’s image and undermine the nation’s dignity.
Although there is no specific constitutional provision regarding national symbols, Shamrahayu suggested that government guidelines about the flag should be more widely publicized. She indicated that if offenses become frequent, formal regulations could be developed based on the principles of the Rukun Negara and the Constitution to ensure proper and respectful use of the Jalur Gemilang.
Shamrahayu stressed that the Jalur Gemilang is more than just a piece of colored cloth; it is a symbol of national sovereignty and identity. She urged Malaysians to understand the meaning behind each color and symbol and to fly the flag with pride not only during Merdeka celebrations but throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Centre for Development, Social and Environmental Studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof Dr Novel Lyndon, remarked that flying the national flag reflects a person’s level of respect and love for the country. He explained that this act symbolizes patriotism and appreciation for the services of freedom fighters and the history of building a sovereign nation.
Novel warned that hoisting a flag that is worn, torn, or not in accordance with the rules could give the impression that some people are less sensitive to national symbols, affecting the country’s image locally and internationally. He highlighted that such attitudes could weaken national identity and erode patriotic spirit among the younger generation.
To counteract this, Novel proposed enhancing patriotic education from the school level through history and civics lessons and using mass media, community programs, and National Month celebrations to foster love for the nation. He stressed that without this awareness, the flag might be seen merely as a piece of cloth, rather than a symbol of dignity, pride, and the spirit of the struggle for independence.