PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s indignation at the bloggers who asked Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down as a sign of protest is understandable. His feelings are shared by all Malaysians who love the country and are proud of the flag.

A national flag is just not a decorative streamer or a ceremonial trapping.

It represents a country and its people. The flag symbolises the unchanging characteristics of a sovereign nation.

The flag serves as a symbol of national identity.

The Jalur Gemilang played a historic role in the country’s road to nationhood.

When the Union Flag was slowly lowered and the Jalur Gemilang raised at the stroke of midnight on Aug 31, 1957, Malaya shed its past and became an independent nation.

Words cannot express the pride, the joy and the thrill of our people when they watched on the small screen, the Jalur Gemilang, fluttering majestically in the sturdy hands of the leader of the Malaysian contingent at the opening ceremony of the Olympics Beijing 2008.

Every person who calls himself a Malaysian should be proud of the Jalur Gemilang. His respect for the flag reflects his sense of patriotism and loyalty to the country.

Anyone who attempts to dishonour the Jalur Gemilang should be severely dealt with.

S. SUNDARESON, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – August 27, 2008