I have in mind a stereotype: that of one’s beau pouting, petulant and saying “if you love me, you’ll do x“. That image has got to be far better than one of a large ape (or similar simian) waving a sledgehammer, going “you fly the flag, or else”.
And that’s today’s incredible story - a repeat of what transpired just prior to national day celebrations last year. Check out Information Czar Zainuddin Maidin’s gem of a quote:
[ZAM] said that flying the Jalur Gemilang demonstrated that the parties or individuals concerned supported the government’s efforts and together appreciated the meaning of independence instead of merely paying “lip service”.
“I call on everyone to fly the national flag so that this can be appreciated by everyone,” he told reporters after launching the fly the Jalur Gemilang and giant banner campaign in conjunction with the 50th national day celebrations at the Information Ministry level at Wisma TV, Angkasapuri.
Let’s just get this straight, ya? He calls on people not to pay lip service to the meaning of independence, to fly the flag so everyone can appreciate it (the flag or independence, take your pick), and confirms Rais Yatim’s threat to highlight buildings which don’t put up the flag.
Is there some important detail I’m missing here, or does the whole thing sound, well, a tad bit heavy-handed? Eh?
Patriotism, patriotism, patriotism. Such a tricky, loaded word, isn’t it?
Does patriotism mean…allowing the regime to plunder my country?
Does patriotism mean…saying “yes” to chauvinists, bigots and racists?
Does patriotism mean…saying “yes” to corruption, abuse and intimidation?
ZAM insists that we shouldn’t pay lip service to the meaning of independence. Well, I don’t know in what sense he means “independence”, but given the context, I’m sure he meant Malaysia’s independence.
The same independent Malaysia that suppresses alternative views.
The same independent Malaysia that locks up people in rehab centres for a difference in belief.
The same independent Malaysia that allows, if not encourages, the abuse of the powers invested in the State.
The same independent Malaysia that allows its ministers to use fear and racist rhetoric and bathing in Chinese blood.
Yeah, that same, independent Malaysia.
Hey, ZAM, Rais Yatim and the rest of you ultra-fascists. I say no, I won’t be flying the flag - to do that would be to pay lip service to the spirit of an independent Malaysia.