Negative Sentiments Should Not Deter Malaysians From Flying Jalur Gemilang - Experts

By Yasmin Ahmad Zukiman

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have been urged to fly the Jalur Gemilang with confidence throughout this national month, despite attempts by a few parties to spread fear over issues such as hoisting the flag upside down, or not following proper procedures.

Experts stress that hoisting the Jalur Gemilang should be encouraged and reinforced, as it symbolises not only love for the nation but also serves as a powerful expression of patriotism and unity, uniting people across all races, religions, and political affiliations.

Senior lecturer in Security and Politics at the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, said that the Jalur Gemilang represents the nation’s dignity and sovereignty, and must not be undermined by negative elements.

“This flag unites the people with the nation. It is the tangible embodiment of our patriotic spirit. We must not allow negative sentiments to weaken that spirit. Flying the Jalur Gemilang should be celebrated, not feared,” he told Bernama.

Noor Nirwandy added that, while precautions should be taken to avoid upside-down or damaged flags, unintentional mistakes should not be exploited to intimidate the public. He stressed that such negativity should not discourage the majority of Malaysians, who have long celebrated National Month with enthusiasm and pride.

Yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, urged Malaysians not to be afraid or discouraged from expressing their patriotism by flying the Jalur Gemilang during National Month.

Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, noted that, while a small group of individuals have attempted to instill fear around the practice, their actions should not diminish the nation’s spirit of patriotism.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azhar Abd Hamid, a researcher with the Nationhood and Social Well-being Research Group at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), emphasised that authorities should reassure the public that flying the Jalur Gemilang is a commendable act, and that only deliberate offences intended to insult the country warrant legal action.

“It is crucial for authorities to counter negative sentiments with positive narratives, and educate the public through awareness campaigns, using social media, short videos, posters, infographics, and community-level initiatives.

Mohd Azhar added that enforcement actions against those who hoist the flag incorrectly are not meant to punish indiscriminately; rather, failing to address the issue could have broader consequences, including undermining the long-standing unity of the nation.

In addition, Mohd Azhar warned that negative sentiment surrounding the Jalur Gemilang issue should not be allowed to persist, as it risks undermining the public’s patriotism, especially with the National Day approaching on Aug 31.

He proposed enhancing a comprehensive communication strategy, involving the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Information Department (JAPEN), and the media, to invigorate National Month celebrations and promote the flying of the Jalur Gemilang.

Meanwhile, Malaysians continue to revere the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of national pride, and uphold that it should never be misused as a means of provocation.

For accountant, Nurul Huda Azman, 32, Malaysia has long celebrated its independence, and the flag issue should not be used to create tension within the community, as the Jalur Gemilang must be respected as a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty.

Political Science student at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Ili Syahirah Azmi, 22, noted that the flag issue is raised only by a few parties, and does not reflect the views of the majority of Malaysians.

For administrative assistant, Liew Sien Fatt, 27, the public’s enthusiasm for the Jalur Gemilang remains strong, as many continue to decorate buildings and office spaces with flags ahead of National Day.

“In my office, some colleagues put up small flags on their desks. Although a few parties try to stir up sensitive issues, small gestures like this show that the spirit of celebrating National Day is still very much alive among Malaysians,” Liew said.

-- BERNAMA