The recent 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio brought out the best in Malaysians yet again. Whether Malay, Chinese or Indian, we were just Malaysians plain and simple. We rooted together for our athletes to clinch their winning medals. We shared both the pain and the glory as Malaysians. Indeed, our Olympian and Paralympian heroes have united us as Malaysians in pride and joy.
Such are the power and magic that sports wield. We hardly cared about our differences—neither race, religion, nor language matter in cheering on our sportsmen and women. So connected were we as Malaysians and so good was the feeling that did we not ever wish that every day was an Olympics and Paralympics? If that is too much to ask, then seriously, make it every other day.
It is only in the midst of that sporting euphoria that any metaphors of prejudices, conflicts and polemics can fizzle out. Indeed, such is the fact at present. We may be living together but we lack the spirit of brotherhood that we should have. Apparently, we are in the country just to live, grab any opportunities available, and gain any benefits on offer, instead of nurturing harmony and defending Malaysia’s sovereignty.
Some of us might have forgotten we were born in a multiracial and peaceful country. Later, we grew up in surroundings with a built-in diversity of cultures and way of life, something not easily available in most other countries. Yet, very little do we appreciate nor cherish that privilege. Next, we go through an education system that strongly holds on to its philosophy. Furthermore, we are grounded by the Rukun Negara which is the policy guidelines of our beloved nation.
Sadly, despite these, some Malaysians still get involved in aggressive and anti-state activities at international level. Their claim that “jihad” is the easiest way to get Allah’s appeasement towards “jannah (paradise)” consequently tarnishes not just Malaysia, but also the sanctity of Islam.
It is quite perplexing to think if such perpetrators have any feelings at all for their own motherland? More worrying if symbols of nationalism such the national flag, and the national anthem would only become mere rhetorics for celebrations, or official occasions. Should this persists, patriotism would surely be eroded sooner or later. What may ensue following that is better left unimagined. As clichéd as it is, we should learn from history that the Malaccan Sultanate was defeated by the Portuguese not due to defence weaknesses of Kota Melaka, rather it was the existence of traitors like Si Kitul, Raja Mendalier and Laksamana (Admiral) Khoja Hassan behind the Sultan (king).
Except for the May 13 incident, freedom and peace have prevailed in the country for almost six decades. Yet in reality, we are bidding our goodbyes to historical and sentimental values. For example, the millennials and post-millennials, dubbed Gen-Y and Z, could hardly understand nor relate their life lessons from the historical books they study in schools or stories they hear from the older generations about Malaysia.
Sociologically speaking, patriotism invokes a host of qualities or virtues. An individual who may be expressive or non-expressive of his patriotism, abides by the laws of the country, pays taxes (or/ and zakat), works for the good development and does good deeds for the nation. S/He would think twice, thrice or more before going against the interests of the country, or anything even close to criminal, antisocial and anti-state activities.
Hence, steps must be taken to instil, cultivate and nurture patriotism within the souls of everyone in the country, especially among our young generations.
Thus, patriotic education (both formal and informal) becomes a must for all Malaysian citizens. The patriotic education from other developed countries such as the United States of America provides a good model for us to include in our school curriculum. In the U.S., children as young as three years old are exposed to patriotism. At this age, they are introduced to symbols which relate to their country such as the president and the country’s flag. At the age of ten, they are exposed to higher concepts including the functions of being a good citizen.
Indeed, patriotism is not only a noble virtue, but important in enhancing national unity, to ensure that Malaysia remains peaceful, stable, harmonious, and protected. Patriotism inspires an individual to do everything just and fair for the wellbeing and betterment of the country and the nation.