Patriotism in Malaysia is a continuation of politics by other means. Jalur Gemilang, the moniker bestowed on what was previously simply the flag, has been co-opted by the Barisan Nasional into its ‘Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang’ opiate.

If, corresponding to the outpouring of patriotism as represented by the flag, national anthem and Aug 31 celebrations, Malaysians had the same degree of political sensibility, then, we would surely examine the nature of our citizenship critically. This is best done vide the Rukunegara, a liturgy of our national aspirations whose second precept – Loyalty to King and Country – distils the creed.

Looking at the credo’s five precepts as the fingers on a hand, we can see why the thumb as strongest digit is rightly assigned to Precept One – Belief in God. Religion stirs the strongest passions, and the first and third precepts – the Supremacy of the Constitution – are currently the foci of debate on the character that this country is assuming. The locus of the debate if on semantics will be unproductive while reality remains unchecked.

	Fending for themselves
	Nature or nurture?