Between Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day on Sept 16, the lingering fever of patriotic fervour could well be a release valve for the pent-up uncertainty as to whether Anwar Ibrahim can topple the BN government.

Emblematic of patriotism is traditional symbolism like the flag and national anthem. Some Malaysians were deemed to have offended the ‘sensitive’ general public when utilising both symbols as a form of political protest, flying the flag upside down and rapping Negarakuku.