I REFER to the report “KL folks are unpatriotic, Tengku Adnan says” (NSU, Aug 5).
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Teng-ku Mansor was disappointed that Kuala Lumpur residents did not show much love for the country ahead of National Day because they did not fly the Jalur Gemilang.
He urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall to reduce the number of free flags it gave out.
However, patriotism can be measured in many ways.
In the case of the national flag, I believe it deserves to be flown on flag poles and not as ornamental pieces placed flat on buildings or fences.
The miniature ones should not be stuck on vehicles, as they have the tendency to break loose and fly in the wind, only to land on motorists.
Patriotism is beyond superficial feelings. If fanatical support for club or state teams qualifies as patriotism, then football fans qualify as among the most patriotic.
True patriots are those who study or work hard, are efficient and productive, contribute to the economy and pay taxes, law-abiding and courteous on the road and wherever they go.
They contribute to society with their money, time or talent in various degrees, and are careful not to pollute the earth or cause environmental damage.
Those who believe in God do not segregate people by race, and Malaysians who embrace universal values are more acceptable to the human race.
Great patriots are recognised not just by their own citizens, but by other nationalities.
Our greatest patriots emerged in the Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960, and during the early years of independence and formation of Malaysia.
Many of them were Special Branch officers working undercover. Their missions were so covert that even their families did not know about it.
They certainly did not wear their patriotism on their sleeve.
Y.S. CHAN,
Kuala Lumpur