Mistakes No Excuse To Shy Away From Flying Flag Masidi Says

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Upside-down flag incidents may have sparked uproar in the peninsula, but Masidi Manjun said such mistakes should not discourage Sabahans from flying the Jalur Gemilang and state flag this National Month and Sabah Day.
The state finance minister, who chairs the organising committee for the Aug 31 celebrations in Kota Kinabalu, stressed that patriotism is about intent, not technical perfection.
“Humans are not perfect. Sometimes we make mistakes. I think we should overlook that little mistake and look at the bigger picture. Intention should matter more than error,” he told reporters when unveiling the state’s programme.
Masidi said flag-raising should not become a source of fear or hesitation just because of recent controversies.
“… We should just say, teach them how to raise the flag nicely. But we should not make a big deal of something that is a genuine mistake,” he said.
Even the United States, he noted, still faces the occasional slip-up. “After more than 200 years, I still find a few Americans flying the wrong way. It is human nature. Sometimes we just make genuine mistakes.”
Flag incidents spark national debate
Recent upside-down Jalur Gemilang cases in Johor, Penang and elsewhere have led to business closures, arrests and police investigations.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed six cases nationwide, while some groups demanded harsher punishment.
The Jalur Gemilang hung in front of a hardware store in Kepala Batas in PenangOthers, however, have urged patience and education on flag etiquette instead of outrage.
Masidi’s remarks stand in contrast to the punitive mood, urging Sabahans to keep raising their flags proudly without fear of being misjudged.
Patriotism comes from within
The minister also pointed to stronger enthusiasm in smaller towns and rural areas, where households often display flags more readily than in the cities.
“I hope that we in Malaysia have the same spirit. I know the country is not perfect, the state is not perfect, but our own attitude makes who and what we are.
“Keep on raising your flag. Once in 365 days, give it to your country, give it to your state. Just one day out of 365 days. Do it,” he said.
Sabah’s celebrations will include a morning parade and evening Sabah Day festivities in Kota Kinabalu, featuring interfaith prayers, a Defence Ministry convoy, cultural performances at Padang Merdeka, and the participation of 31 organisations and nearly 60 motorcycles.
Masidi also reminded Sabahans that the state’s independence on Aug 31, 1963, was tied directly to Malaysia’s formation.
“Many people don’t understand that Sabah achieved independence on Aug 31, 1963. During the discussions on Malaysian development, we planned for Sabah’s independence to fall on the same day, because to create this country, Sabah needed independence,” he said.
“Sabah is a reminder that Malaysia is a place of partnership… Sabah, Sarawak, Malaysia and Singapore. Sabah is not like other countries.” - Mkini

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