Cultivate pride in the Jalur Gemilang to prevent improper displays

Malaysian Reserve

4 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR — Come National Month, a festive spirit fills the air as rows of Jalur Gemilang flutter gracefully in the wind, adorning bridges, pedestrian crossings, business premises and homes.
With the theme 'Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni', the country will celebrate National Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
In their eagerness to express their patriotic spirit, many people display the Jalur Gemilang, sometimes in their own creative ways. However, amid the excitement, some remain unaware of the proper way to display the flag, giving rise to a recurring controversy.
While it does not necessarily mean they lack patriotism, incidents such as the Jalur Gemilang being flown upside down highlight the need for all Malaysians to understand the meaning of the flag and master the correct way to display it.
FLAG SYMBOL OF NATIONAL PRIDE
Commenting on this issue, historian Associate Prof Dr Abu Hanifah Haris said Malaysians should first cultivate a sense of love for the Jalur Gemilang.
'The flag represents the sovereignty and dignity of a nation. In the context of Malaysia, the Jalur Gemilang embodies the pride and identity of all Malaysians across ethnicities and religions, and therefore must be cherished by all citizens who love their country.
'The Jalur Gemilang should not only be honoured but must also be picked up and placed in an appropriate place if it falls to the ground,' stressed the head of the Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya.
He told Bernama that flying the Jalur Gemilang during the National Month is a way for the people to express appreciation to those who fought for the country's independence.
The gesture also serves as a manifestation of the people's love for the nation.
'Therefore, incidents of flying the flag upside down are highly sensitive and should never happen again,' he said, adding that society should learn from similar incidents that occurred in the past.
(In terms of global flag-raising protocol, flying a flag upside down conveys a message of distress, danger or protest.)
HISTORY OF THE JALUR GEMILANG
Originally named Flag of the Federation of Malaya and officially hoisted on Aug 31, 1957, it was later known as the Malaysian flag before being officially declared the Jalur Gemilang on the eve of Aug 31, 1997, in conjunction with the nation's 40th Independence Day celebration, by then Prime Minister Datuk Seri (Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
According to online sources, the name was chosen by the Cabinet from three shortlisted entries, the other two being Jalur Nusa Gemilang and Jalur Sinar Gemilang.
Abu Hanifah explained that the word 'Jalur' refers to the straight stripes on the flag, symbolising the straight path and direction followed by all citizens, while 'Gemilang' signifies the nation's excellence and the unity of the people in safeguarding and elevating Malaysia's image.
He said Jalur Gemilang is more than just the name of the flag – it is a symbol that identifies Malaysia on the world stage, embodying the nation's image, identity and sovereignty.
Tracing its history, he said, 'Our flag's origin dates back to 1947. It was designed by Mohamed Hamzah, an architect with the Johor Public Works Department, who took part in a flag design competition for the soon-to-be-formed government. Out of 373 submissions, three designs were shortlisted and his design was chosen as the winner.'
However, the original design – 11 blue-and-white stripes with a white crescent and star in a red canton – underwent modifications before being adopted as the flag of the Federation of Malaya.
Today, the Jalur Gemilang features 14 red and white stripes, with a yellow crescent and 14-point star set against a blue canton.
He said the 14 stripes and the 14-point star represent the members of the Malaysian federation, namely 13 state governments and a federal government (which now covers three federal territories: Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan).
The four colours of the Jalur Gemilang carry their own meanings: blue represents the unity of the people; red signifies courage and readiness to face any challenge for the nation; white symbolises purity; and yellow, the royal colour, represents the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers and upholding the principles of the Constitution and the Rukun Negara.
'… the yellow on the crescent and star represents the royal colour, signifying the sovereignty of the Sultans of the Malay States.
'This colour also refers to Malaysia's constitutional monarchy system. Therefore, respect for the yellow emblem on the Jalur Gemilang is equal to respect for the institution of the Malay Rulers and the nation's sovereignty, which is why we must honour our national flag,' he explained.
FLY THE FLAG CORRECTLY
Pointing to the recent incident where the Malaysian flag was displayed upside down, Abu Hanifah attributed such occurrences to the indifference of some citizens who take flag-raising etiquette lightly.
Their failure to learn from past incidents, including those that occurred during last year's National Month celebrations, reflects a lack of effort to improve their knowledge of the nation.
'In fact, there are many platforms that provide information on the correct way to raise the flag. All the information is at your fingertips – just 'Google' it.
'…in addition, government agencies such as the Information Department of Malaysia (JaPen) also demonstrate the proper way to display the flag during its (National Day) campaign, and this information is available on the agency's portal,' he said.
Following last year's upside-down flag incident, JaPen recommended that Malaysians refer to its guidebook on the correct method of displaying the Jalur Gemilang to avoid repeating mistakes.
The guidebook, titled 'Bendera Kita Jalur Gemilang', also explains important aspects of caring for the national flag.
The state-level JaPen have also shared proper flag installation methods on all their social media platforms.
Abu Hanifah also did not rule out the possibility that the practice of flying the flag only once a year, during the National Month, may be the reason for the occurrence of upside-down flag incidents.
He, therefore, feels the Jalur Gemilang should be displayed throughout the year, not just during the National Month.
'Even now, flags that are flown all year round are mostly seen at government complexes or buildings. In my view, flag displays should be extended to public spaces, especially shopping complexes and tourist spots… so every time people see the Jalur Gemilang flying in public, the image will remain in their minds.
'This, indirectly, can help prevent mistakes in how we raise or display the flag,' he added.
He also viewed the initiative of having students at schools and educational institutions wear Jalur Gemilang badges as one of the best ways to 'bring the younger generation closer' to the flag.
He said early exposure to the national flag not only helps children understand its function but also instills love and patriotism in their hearts.
'…when all efforts have been made by various parties, including the government, to connect the people with the Jalur Gemilang, yet some still commit the same mistake (flying the flag upside down), I believe it is not because they don't know but (it is) because they don't care, and the authorities should take action,' he added.
The Jalur Gemilang is subject to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, which, among other things, states that acts such as flying the flag upside down constitute an insult to the flag, and perpetrators can be punished with a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
Meanwhile, Penang Malay History and Civilisation Association president Datuk Abdul Kader Md Ali said all agencies, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) related to history in Malaysia, should provide awareness and information about the Jalur Gemilang to all levels of society.
He said this proactive approach is needed to ensure there are no more mistakes in displaying or raising the Jalur Gemilang in the future.
'All parties must play their role, whether government agencies or NGOs… all must go to the ground to meet the people and teach them how to respect the flag and use it correctly, including not flying it upside down and not using flags that are damaged or have incorrect emblems.
'I also believe that the practice of distributing free flags to the public, such as at toll plazas, as was done extensively in previous years, should continue. This not only enhances the festive atmosphere of National Day itself but also ensures people recognise and remember their own national flag,' he said.
He added that parents also share the responsibility of educating their children about the nation's history, not only regarding the Jalur Gemilang but also the Rukun Negara.
He stressed that these elements are the 'key' to fostering togetherness and creating unity among Malaysia's diverse communities.
'Anything related to the nation, including the flag and the principles of the Rukun Negara, should be safeguarded by all Malaysians regardless of race or religion,' he said, urging the government to be firmer in addressing improper flag displays.
'The flag is a symbol of the nation's honour and must be protected to preserve the dignity of the nation.'
HOW TO DISPLAY THE JALUR GEMILANG PROPERLY
According to JaPen's guidebook, the Jalur Gemilang should only be displayed horizontally, even when in the form of a 'flag line', and must never be displayed vertically.
For the 'Malaysia Banner' (a vertically elongated Jalur Gemilang), when viewed from the front, the left side of the banner must begin with a red stripe and end with a white stripe. The banner must also have a tail measuring one-eighth of its total length and must never be displayed horizontally.
In terms of usage etiquette, the flag must never be used as a tablecloth, cushion cover, curtain, umbrella, bath towel, face mask, headscarf, cap, songkok, headwear, samping, clothing or other items.
The flag must also not be used as a wrapping for bottles, vases, poles, cans, food covers, and other objects, nor should the flag be painted onto such items.
Using the flag in various styles, images or forms that alter the physical appearance of the Jalur Gemilang for advertising purposes, including promoting National Month celebrations, is also prohibited.
Under the Prime Minister's Department's General Circular No. 3 of 1994, it is mandatory to fly the Jalur Gemilang at federal buildings nationwide, federal government offices, federal statutory bodies and local authorities of the federal government.
The public is also encouraged to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their homes, business premises, shops and stalls.
However, the Jalur Gemilang may be flown at any time and in any location, as long as it is done appropriately and with respect for the flag.
For the correct procedures on displaying and using the Jalur Gemilang, the public can refer to: https://www.pmo.gov.my/wpcontent/uploads/2019/12/bendera_kita_jalur_gemilang_2017_upscale.pdf and https://dbook.penerangan.gov.my/dbook/dmdocuments/jalur_gemilang_2020/files/downloads/jalur_gemilang_2020.pdf — BERNAMA