Mayor: Be patriotic and fly the flag

Mayor: Be patriotic and fly the flag
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/6/29/central/18137534&sec=central

FLY the national flag if you are patriotic, urges the Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan.

“Also, adorn your properties with even brighter lights and better landscaping as the country is celebrating its golden jubilee,” he said.

These were the messages to the representatives from the 374 high-rise buildings in the city in a special briefing on the country’s 50th Independence Day celebrations.

Owners of all other buildings are also urged to do so.

Let me first say that this national flag flying fiasco does not symbolize patriotism. At best it is a superficial representation of love for king and country. Any tom dick and harry can fly the Malaysian flag and claim to be patriotic, but deep down, nobody knows if they will be the ones to commit the next criminal offense.

Next, while the world focuses on reducing energy wastage and curbing global warming phenomenon, our government seems intent on wasting as much energy as possible to shout to the world that we "memang boleh".

“Kuala Lumpur is like sugar. People flock here to do business or develop their career. They should be appreciative of the economic situation it offers,” Hakim said.

Typical of government servants to say this type of things. What exactly should we be appreciative of? The constant traffic snarls due to poor transport planning? The rising petty crime of metal theft? The ridiculous potholes and constant flash floods? Tell all, Mr. Mayor!

He said City Hall would also fly the Jalur Gemilang and put on a splash of lights at specific locations in the city, and encouraged properties owners to illuminate their buildings from Aug 16 to Sept 10 between 7pm and midnight.

Apart from that, there will be a competition to decide who does the best job while City Hall is still in the process of finalising the judging criteria, categories and prizes.

The Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry’s programme department assistant secretary Megat Adnan Megat Ridzuan said Merdeka celebrations would be carried out in Kuala Lumpur in a series of grand events.

Launching of the Merdeka Month celebrations falls on Aug 17 in Malacca.

Adnan said the climax of the events would be the Giant Merdeka Celebration (Perayaan Raksasa Merdeka) attended by the sultans, heads of states and the people on the evening of Aug 31 at Stadium Merdeka.

So now even our Royalty is being used to promote and advertise this "monster celebration" (I'm surprised that the word "raksasa" is used!). Tell me again, who was it that asked us to change our lifestyle not so long ago?

BLA BLA BLA!