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Patriotic Display by Decree

When August comes, it is the season again for patriotic feats and and other displays. There is Jalur Gemilang II solo adventurer Shamsurrijal Abdul Jamil, who is driving his Proton GTi round the world, this journey of his will take a year to complete. Then there is the largest Jalur Gemilang which was stolen and recovered and is on display in Penang to instill patriotisme in Penangites. Next, is former serviceman Abdul Ghafar Abdul Razak on Thursday embarked on a solo Merdeka cycling expedition in conjunction with Malaysia's 46th National Day celebrations. The Information Department will distribute 100,000 Jalur Gemilang free to the public nationwide during the Merdeka month in conjunction with the 46th National Day this year in order for the public to display their patrotisme freely.
Lone had initially thought of displaying 10 Jalur Gemilang but considering that this display pales in comparison to the abovementioned feats and displays. So it is back to the original, as always, of keeping patriotisme as close to one's heart as possible, that is in it.
The NST reported today that the Perak Education Director was saddened by the indifferent attitude of some schools which have yet to fly the Jalur Gemilang. He also told reporters that some schools do not even have flag poles. Now are the headmasters and pupils to be blamed for that too? The Director also said that if the headmasters did not lead the way by showing their patriotisme, the pupils cannot be expected to show theirs; logical?
The EDM Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has been reported by Bernama as having virtually ordered that all commercial vehicles fly the Jalur Gemilang. He reportedly said that beginning this year it was compulsory for public transport and commercial vehicles to fly the national flag from Aug 1 to Sept 16.. "The government has done enough and don't just wait for Jalur Gemilang contributions each time Merdeka celebrations approach," he also said. Doesn't our State Director and Minister realise that certain things are best freely given and not forced.

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