Jalur Gemilang debacle: True patriotism includes empathy and forgiveness
I am not defending the wrongful display of our national symbols. The Jalur Gemilang must be treated with the utmost respect. But let us also remember that the mistake was made by a worker with an intellectual disability (OKU).
It was corrected within two hours after it was publicly highlighted. The school has also since apologised and committed to stronger oversight.
Yes, a mistake was made and it is not a trivial one. But our reaction should not overshadow the values our Merdeka spirit stands for.
One of the tenets of the Rukun Negara is 'Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan' (Good Behaviour and Morality). Have we forgotten that? Why are we stooping so low as to mock the actions of an OKU?
As we count down to August 31, let us reaffirm that our national pride is rooted in unity, dignity, and compassion. Flying the national flag as a display of patriotism must be complemented by empathy, kindness, and forgiveness.
Respect for the Jalur Gemilang is critical. But context matters. Vulnerability, quick correction, and sincere remorse point to humility, not hostility.
This is not the time to raise the political temperature for short-term gain. In fact, doing so goes against the spirit of Merdeka envisioned by our founding fathers.
We must learn to move forward just as many Malaysians did when the Ministry of Education displayed the wrong version of the Jalur Gemilang in an SPM report.
That, too, was a serious error, but many accepted it as unintentional and made without malice. There was also a similar, but grave error made by a Chinese newspaper.
Patriotism is not only about getting the flag right. It is also about how we respond when things go wrong.
In the spirit of Merdeka, I urge all Malaysians to rise above an outrage-first mentality and for opportunists to stop politicising this issue. There is strength in empathy, and maturity in measured responses. ‒ Aug 7, 2025
Ng Kor Sim is the State Assemblywoman for Jementah, Johor.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Reuters/Scanpix
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