Bukit Bendera Mp Hits Out At Blatant Hypocrisy In Patriotism

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PARLIAMENT | Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Harapan-Bukit Bendera) has slammed what she calls blatant hypocrisy in patriotism.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, she questioned why some Malaysians rage over foreign flags but turn a blind eye to the faded, tattered Jalur Gemilang left hanging in the streets.
“Old, dirty, and tattered flags still fly outside buildings, schools, government offices, and even in front of official premises. Yet, no one speaks up. We pass by as if it is normal.
“But when a foreign flag is raised on our land, suddenly, we are enraged. Suddenly, threats of violence emerge. Suddenly, everyone feels their national pride is under attack.
“Where is that same anger when Jalur Gemilang is left in such a shameful state” she asked, while displaying a worn-out Malaysian flag in Parliament.
In October last year, several political leaders were outraged after a video surfaced of a group waving China’s flag during the Guan Gong cultural festival in Teluk Intan, Perak.
Among those who criticised the matter were state PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria and Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.
Expanding on her point, Syerleena argued that patriotism is more than just standing still during the national anthem or celebrating Independence Day once a year.
Screenshots of a group waving China’s flag during a festival in Teluk Intan, Perak in October 2024“It is not just posting ‘Saya Anak Malaysia’ on social media. It is about respect - and that respect starts with how we treat our national flag.
“Enough with empty nationalism. Enough with selective outrage. Enough with treating our flag as mere decoration. If we cannot even respect our own flag, then what are we truly fighting for?” she added.
Refugee registration
Separately, Syerleena, who also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia - Refugee Policy, urged the government to accelerate the registration of refugees and asylum seekers by granting UNHCR access to assist with processing and resettlement.
“This is not only a humanitarian act but also a strategic move to better manage national resources.
“However, we must be clear - Malaysia’s interests must come first. We must ensure that national resources are used wisely so that the people are not burdened,” she added.
In 2023, Syerleena called for an end to policies that criminalise refugees and instead advocated for policies that protect them, allowing the community to contribute to society and the economy.
Promoting wildlife conservation and tourism
Syerleena further questioned the government’s commitment to promoting wildlife conservation as a key tourism product.
She highlighted the declining wildlife populations in Malaysia, including the Malayan tiger, Borneo pygmy elephant, Sumatran rhino, Bornean and Sumatran orangutan, and hawksbill turtle.
Malayan tiger“Malaysia is home to some of the world’s most endangered species, yet we have not fully tapped into this potential for ecotourism.
“How can we ensure that in 10 years, tourists are not just visiting museums to see what we have lost?” she remarked.
- Mkini

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