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DISPLAYING the Jalur Gemilang in the lead-up to National Day is more than a patriotic gesture — it is a powerful reminder of Malaysia’s hard-won independence and a call to renew pride in being citizens of a sovereign nation, say academics.
Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azhar Abd Hamid of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) said the national flag embodies the spirit of nationhood and unity, and its meaning should be deeply understood and respected by every Malaysian.
“The Jalur Gemilang is not just a flag; it is a symbol of sovereignty, unity, and the spirit of the nation. Each shade and colour holds historical significance, principles of nationhood and the values of Malaysian life. This is a manifestation of the people's love for independence, a freedom gained through great sacrifice,” he told Bernama.
However, he observed that public enthusiasm, particularly among younger Malaysians, has waned in recent years, with some perceiving patriotic campaigns such as flag-flying to be superficial or merely government-driven.
Mohd Azhar, a researcher with UTM’s Nationhood and Social Wellbeing Research Group, said the decline in patriotic sentiment may stem from a lack of historical awareness and the perception that National Day celebrations are disconnected from everyday realities.
“Patriotism cannot be forced, but it can be nurtured,” he said, recommending innovative and relatable approaches such as community involvement, social media engagement, and history-based competitions to foster national pride.
He also pointed to the ongoing "1 House 1 Jalur Gemilang" campaign as a meaningful effort to inspire patriotism across Malaysian society. Launched last year and expanded for the 2025 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM2025), the initiative now includes seven implementation clusters: Education, Higher Education, Health, Security, Community, Industry, and Government Agencies.
Last year, 698 programmes were conducted under the campaign, encouraging the public to display the national flag at homes, business premises, public offices and on private vehicles.
Political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) also stressed that such initiatives must be delivered with authenticity and inclusiveness to truly resonate with the people.
“This campaign is not merely about displaying the national flag, but serves as a starting point for conversations about history, national values, and responsibilities as Malaysians,” he said.
He added that greater engagement from the education, industry and community sectors could enhance the campaign’s relevance to the everyday lives of citizens.
“Digital tools such as artificial intelligence can be used creatively to foster civic values and social ethics. Ultimately, becoming a citizen who understands, respects, and embraces national identity — while demonstrating civic-mindedness — is essential,” he said.
Sivamurugan added that patriotism must be grounded in the Federal Constitution and shaped by the guiding principles of the Rukun Negara.
The official theme for the 2025 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations is ‘Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni’, while the Malaysia MADANI logo remains unchanged. The National Day celebration will take place at Dataran Putrajaya on 31 August, with Malaysia Day to be commemorated in Penang on 16 September. - July 13, 2025
