Kuala lumpur: Patriotism among Malaysia's younger generation remains strong, but a key concern is their declining trust in existing systems, as well as changing ways of expressing love for the country in the digital age. Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid said young people's love for the country should not be measured solely through traditional means such as flying the Jalur Gemilang, but should also be reflected in their support for the country and use of social media platforms to express their patriotism.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Izzat Afifi expressed confidence that young Malaysians continue to harbor strong patriotic feelings. He emphasized that in times of conflict, the youth still demonstrate a strong sentiment to defend their country. These remarks were made during his appearance on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled 'Merdeka: Between History, Identity and Malaysia's Future.'

However, Mohd Izzat Afifi noted that the rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence presents challenges, as young people are increasingly exposed to inaccurate information which can influence their perceptions of the country and its democratic system. He further stated that the global trend among youth is to prioritize speed over authenticity in information gathering, which could impact their trust in national systems.

Meanwhile, Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) highlighted the evolving interpretation of independence across generations. He pointed out that those who lived through the struggle for independence view it as liberation from colonial rule, while subsequent generations associate it with modernization and industrialization.

Dr Sivamurugan, also a member of the National Language Council, emphasized that today's understanding of independence should focus on strengthening freedom, national identity, and unity amidst Malaysia's diverse religious, ethnic, and political landscape. He suggested that diversity should be seen as a national strength and treasure, fostering unity and embodying the true value of independence.