3 days ago
‘Promote proper flag etiquette during National Day celebrations'
Dr Wynson Ong Teck Ping
KUCHING (Aug 12): Authorities should leverage National Day celebrations and community activities to widely promote proper guidelines for hoisting the Jalur Gemilang, both through online and offline channels, said Dr Wynson Ong Teck Ping.
Ong, who is International Education Legacy Foundation founding president, also urged the authorities to create simple, easy-to-understand guides to help the public express their patriotism in a dignified and respectful manner.
'Patriotism is not just a feeling, but also an action. In line with the values of Malaysia Madani, which emphasise courtesy, unity, and mutual respect, let us hoist the Jalur Gemilang correctly during this Independence Month so that love and respect for our national flag may fly across every corner of the country,' he said in a statement.
His remarks follow a recent incident in Penang where a business premises was found to have hoisted the national flag upside down, sparking public concern.
Ong stressed that the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of national dignity and unity, and must always be treated with respect.
While many business owners and members of the public display the flag with patriotic intentions, he believes that mistakes, such as hanging the flag incorrectly, are more often the result of negligence or a lack of knowledge, rather than deliberate disrespect.
'We must take seriously any action that could be perceived as disrespecting the national flag. However, it is important to differentiate between unintentional mistakes and deliberate acts,' he said.
'For unintentional mistakes, education and guidance are often more effective in the long term. However, any deliberate act of insulting the flag should be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,' he added. Jalur Gemilang national day patriotism Wynson Ong
