I refer to the malaysiakini report Cabinet rejects apology from rapper .

All Malaysians must show respect for the national symbols - the flag, the national anthem and the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong - as all these are above politics.

Many Malaysians have reservations as to government policies implemented and the many practices that do not seem fair. And while there are many ways of expressing one's disgust this should extend to the extent of belittling the national symbols.

We do not want a situation where only Malay Malaysians are seen to defend the sanctity of the national anthem, while the others feel that it is nothing much to feel offended over. If just an apology is deemed sufficient in this matter, will it set a precedent for other more mocking creations too?

This issue has clearly amplified the poor values inculcated through the education system due to the partisan implementations of 'policies' by the Umno-led coalition through the 50 years of independence.

Inadvertently, the policies have strongly divided the students and made them think of their own ethnicity first as they have been regularly reminded of their ethnic differences that have a bearing as to their options in education and when job-seeking.

While we have to ensure that the citizen who has belittled the national anthem really understands the consequences for such an irrational act, the national leaders should do some soul-searching as why many non-Malay youths have a poor perception of their own country.

This symptom is the result of a bad state of affairs in managing the young minds in this country, which is dangerous in the long-term indeed.