Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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, stated that the Jalur Gemilang represents the nation's dignity and sovereignty, and must not be undermined by negative elements.
Dr. Noor Nirwandy emphasized that the flag unites the people with the nation and embodies the patriotic spirit. He remarked, "We must not allow negative sentiments to weaken that spirit. Flying the Jalur Gemilang should be celebrated, not feared." He further added that while precautions should be taken to avoid upside-down or damaged flags, unintentional mistakes should not be exploited to intimidate the public. Such negativity should not discourage the majority of Malaysians, who have long celebrated National Month with enthusiasm and pride.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has also 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), emphasized 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. He stressed the importance of countering negative sentiments with positive narratives and educating the public through awareness campaigns.
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. He 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 August 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. Administrative assistant Liew Sien Fatt, 27, observed that public 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.