a story in progress

It’s the time once again, where people display their patriotism with much eager and excitement. Flags are erected from the most common places to even the unlikeliest of places. Cries of “Merdeka” are heard almost everywhere. Yes, all this signifies the approaching Independence Day of our beloved country. In fact, it’s going to be our 50th Independence this year. A memorable occasion indeed where people are at their patriotic best.

Yet patriotism is a highly debatable subject. It’s a subject worth reasoning and questioned. As it is through this process we are made better then who we are before. I believe this process is called as “meta-thinking”. Without any shadow of doubt patriotism is a crucial element for our nation. Without it, we wouldn’t even be celebrating our Independence Day today. We wouldn't gained our very freedom from those colonial eras where our people have suffered so greatly.

So it’s only normal for one to express his love or his patriotism by doing his bit when our 50th Independence Day approaches. Flag waving has indeed proven to be one of the most popular forms of expressing one’s patriotism and it is highly applauded. In fact, I would be going to school tomorrow to do my bit in this joyous occasion by joining the “Merdeka” procession around my schooling area.

But then again, by doing all of these, can one truly be counted as being patriotic? How about those who couldn’t even be bother to purchase a flag to be hung at their house or even to their own cars? Are they consider unpatriotic? How about those who rather sleep in on Merdeka morning? Are these people unpatriotic? The list can go on and on. The arguments can be long winded. Raging from scandalous acts to trivial matter.

A perfect example would be on today’s news. In our very own Dewan Negara itself, a heated argument was erupted when several Members of the Parliament did not stood up following to the cries of “Merdeka” by the other Members of the Parliament. A war of words was then issued on whether one is patriotic enough in the first place.

Yes, it is highly debatable when it comes to patriotism. Some can be skeptical, or even outright obsequious. What ever happen to the very basis of this country which it is built upon? Trust? Tolerance? Understanding? Why does one even bother judging or passing comments on whose patriotic or not?

It is certainly not our right to do so, as each one of us might have our own different method of expressing our patriotism. Perhaps even in a less showy manner. Let us all us just truly enjoy what it means to be a Malaysian and celebrate our nation’s 50th Independence Day in our very own unique manner.