3 days ago
Fear, flags, and the politics of impunity
COMMENT | Former Subang Jaya assemblyperson Lee Hwa Beng has not raised the national flag in his house in conjunction with Merdeka Day. He gave a plausible explanation on social media.
'I dare not put up the Jalur Gemilang this year as I have been doing the past 21 years. Fear of being called up for whatever reason, such as being too old, dirty due to exposure, or (what if) the wind blows the flag upside down, not upright enough, etc.
'So, not putting the flag up this year… not being (un)patriotic, but (from) fear of being charged.'
Similar sentiments have been expressed on social media, and no amount of assurances or cajoling will change this, because the self-appointed brigade of flag inspectors is on the prowl.
But how is patriotism measured? A man who flew the flag...
