snowflakes

Redefining Patriotism

I have been quite disturbed lately, mainly I felt disappointed and angry. Now coupled up with recent events, I couldn’t hold my silence anymore!

In an article entitled “Why I don’t feel like celebrating…”, it reads “...patriotism in the face of our present socio-political situation demands more than just mouthing the words to some patriotic song or waving the national flag. Even a traitor can do these things if the situation calls for it.” (Wong Siew Li, Nationhood).

I share the same sentiment as Siew Li, that I too don’t feel like celebrating Malaysia’s Independence Day. It seems that a lot of Rakyat are feeling disappointed at how things are going, if not there won’t be so many people flocking to sign Raja Petra’s People’s Petition.

Patriotism is not just a superficial waving of the flag and paying lip service by proclaiming how much you love the country. I see signs of hypocrisy as I read news about corruption being reported almost every day! How could one say that he loves his country and his undivided loyalty while stealing from his own mother land?! Clearly they have placed personal interest above the interest of the whole nation. These people may satisfy their current greed, but what happens to our country 50 years, or 100 years down the road?

If you noticed, this is my first rantings about Current Affairs happening in Malaysia, there were a few occasion when I was tempted to write, but i have refrained myself from doing so. Reason? There are a few of my overseas friends who read my blog, and I do not want to “wash dirty linen in public”.

But i just couldn’t help myself after reading so many sincere and heartfelt disappointment expressed in articles and blogs.
Am I over-reacting? Probably not…here’s an interesting article and some very interesting self explanation photos to go with it:

Paying through the nose for tools
PETALING JAYA: Would you pay RM224 for a set of four screwdrivers?
Probably not, but that was what the Government paid to supply tools for students at the eight National Youth Skills Institutes (IKBN) around the country, according to the Auditor-General’s (AG) report.

Finish this article….

There’s more…
1. Malaysia rises a rank Corruption Perception Index
2. Police superintendent charged with money-laundering

Here’s a famous and profound quote from “Spiderman”, with Aunt May telling Peter Parker – “with power comes great responsibility”.