Show respect for our national anthem

AS a proud and loyal citizen, I strongly feel that when the national anthem is played, we must stop whatever we are doing and stand straight as a sign of respect.

This is the simplest way to display our love and loyalty to our country. This must be practised whether you are a seven-year-old or a 70-year-old.

In schools these days, when it’s time to raise the Jalur Gemilang, the Negaraku is played and students are required to sing along.

While the students sing, the teachers walk around to ensure that the students sing.

I am against the idea of teachers moving about when our national anthem is played.

They, too, must stand still and sing the national anthem rather than move and show disrespect to our national song and the nation.

Teachers aren’t given any exemption in singing the national anthem. If the King and Prime Minister can stand during the national anthem, why can’t teachers?

To ensure that students respect the song, the teachers should set a good example by respecting it first.

Teachers can correct the students who were restless after the national anthem.

I think everyone should learn to respect the national anthem.

After 56 years of independence,

I think we should all by now

know how to respect our national anthem.

It is not difficult, it’s just standing straight and singing the anthem.

I hope that students, teachers and just about everyone will observe this simple protocol whenever our national anthem is played, whether in school, office, events or even in a theatre.

Let’s lead by example and show our love for our wonderful nation.

R. MEYSHNA NAIR

Kuala Lumpur