One of my neighbours wrote in our residents’ group chat: “It’s so nice to see our national flag flying in one particular house…” – the house she was referring to is my humble home.

Annually, from July till September, two Jalur Gemilang hold residency in my home, each flanking one side of my gate, adding beauty and regale to my abode.

However, this is not the case with many Malaysians.

In recent years, the vibrant display of the Malaysian flag during the Merdeka month or the Malaysia Day, has become increasingly subdued.

Once, the sight of red, white, and blue waving from cars, homes, and public spaces was a hallmark of national pride.

Yet today, there seems to be a quieter expression of patriotism, and some may wonder why this shift has occurred.

The reason for this change is complex, intertwined with the evolving political landscape and societal sentiments.

It’s important to recognise, though, that the decline in flag displays should not be mistaken for a decline in national pride or sovereignty.

August 31st, Merdeka, marking the day of declaration of our independence, and September 16th, Malaysia Day, confirming the establishment of our federation, both indicate a time meant to celebrate the nation’s journey and unity.

The Malaysian flag symbolises more than just a political entity; it represents the shared history, struggles, and achievements of a diverse population coming together as one.

The flag is a reminder of the sacrifices made by past generations who fought for the nation’s freedom and sovereignty.

However, in recent years, the flag has occasionally been co-opted into political discourse.

Political parties and factions have, at times, used the flag as a symbol in their campaigns or as a tool to draw lines between competing ideologies.

This politicisation can dilute the flag’s intended symbolism of unity and independence, turning it into a marker of division rather than a symbol of collective national pride. This is common during elections.

Moreover, there has been an increase in political disillusionment among Malaysians.

Many are grappling with a sense of betrayal or disappointment in the political system, feeling that the flag, once a unifying emblem, has been appropriated for partisan purposes.

This disillusionment has led to a reluctance to display the flag, as it might be perceived as aligning with or endorsing a particular political agenda rather than celebrating national unity.

Yet, it is crucial to understand that the essence of the flag transcends political affiliations.

Sovereignty and patriotism are fundamentally about honouring the nation and its people, not about endorsing specific political agendas.

The flag stands for the idea that despite our differences, we are bound together by a shared identity and a collective journey.

Patriotism is a profound sense of pride and love for one’s country. It is expressed not just through symbols but through actions and values.

Supporting and building the nation means engaging in constructive dialogue, participating in civic duties, and working towards the common good.

True patriotism lies in the commitment to uphold the values of justice, equality, and integrity, and in the recognition of our collective responsibility to improve our society.

To those who may feel hesitant to display the flag, remember that doing so is not an endorsement of any particular political view but an affirmation of the values and history that the flag represents.

It is an expression of our shared identity and a celebration of the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy as Malaysians.

The celebrative months of Merdeka and Malaysia Day should be a time for all Malaysians to come together in a spirit of unity and pride.

It is a moment to reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and aspire towards a future where our differences are embraced as strengths rather than sources of division.

Let us remember that the flag is a symbol of our nation’s spirit, resilience, and collective journey, not a tool for political contention.

We must encourage Malaysians to fly the Malaysian flag during Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day, by carrying out the following without fail:

National flag campaign

■ Launch a campaign – “Fly the Flag with Pride” – featuring prominent Malaysians sharing personal stories about what the flag means to them.

■ Use hashtags like #FlyTheFlagMY on social media to create a buzz and encourage citizens to post photos of their flag displays. For instance, a series of video clips where well-known personalities, like Datuk Lee Chong Wei or Yasmin Ahmad’s family, talk about their experiences and invite the public to join in.

Flag distribution drive

■ Partner with convenience stores, supermarkets, and malls to hand out Malaysian flags with every purchase of a certain amount and more in the weeks leading up to Merdeka Day.

■ Collaborate with schools to hand out flags to students and encourage them to bring them home. For example, a chain like 7-Eleven could run a promotion where customers receive a small Malaysian flag suitable for cars, motorcycles or even desks, with their purchase of patriotic-themed items.

Imagine if we bring in the Lotus, Aeon, Green Grocer, Parkson, Mydin, KK Mart, Giant and ensure every Malaysian has a greater access to flags.

Flag-related contests and challenges

■ Host a “Best Flag Display” competition on social media. Invite Malaysians to share photos of their homes, offices, or public spaces decorated with Malaysian flags, with a prize for the most creative or patriotic display.

Winners could receive prizes like vouchers, exclusive merchandise, or a feature in local newspapers. For instance, local influencers like Neelofa or Alif Syukri could showcase their own flag display and challenge their followers to do the same.

Educational Workshops and Events

■ Organise workshops in schools and community centres where participants learn about the history of the Malaysian flag and its symbolism. Include activities such as flag-making contests or interactive exhibits.

■ Museum Negara could host a special exhibition with guided tours explaining the significance of different elements of the flag, making it a fun and educational experience for families. Create a buzz, encouraging schools to visit the Museum, too.

Celebrity and influencer endorsements

■ Collaborate with celebrities and influencers to promote the importance of flying the flag. For instance, a popular Malaysian actor like Fahrin Ahmad or Aaron Aziz or singer like Siti Nurhaliza could post videos on their social media accounts showing their own flag displays and encouraging fans to do the same.

■ Have a “Flag Challenge” where they tag others to share their flag displays, creating a viral trend.

These are programmes which are doable by any agencies especially the Ministry of Information.

We must create the noise. Mere radio or TV announcements asking Malaysians to fly the national flag, is a misnomer.

Let’s be creative and sexy in encouraging young Malaysians to fly the flag, wherever we are.

Be it vehicles like cars, motorcycles, lorries, tractors, container ships, aeroplanes, or buildings like shops, markets, schools and religious places.

Fly the flag and create a sensational feeling especially among the young ones, who will be growing oblivious and ignorant of such a celebration.

So, as we approach another Merdeka and Malaysia Day months, let’s find renewed meaning in the Jalur Gemilang.

Let us display it with pride, not because of politics, but because of our shared history, our commitment to one another, and our unwavering belief in the promise of Malaysia.

(Ravindran Raman Kutty is an active social worker.)