After 58 years, it’s time to think and act anew

FOR millions of citizens born before 1957, Merdeka celebrations revive warm memories of that glorious moment 58 years ago when Malaya met its tryst with destiny. Across the land, eyes are welling up as the national anthem is sung and young and old are uniting behind our Jalur Gemilang. A wave of patriotism is sweeping the country. It is befitting therefore to reflect on the meaning and significance of this timely and timeless ideal.

As with most concepts, patriotism is so multi-dimensional that it cannot be reduced to a simple formula. One cannot define it but only describe it.