The Jalur Gemilang, the country's national flag, is an important identity and the pride of the nation and people.
Apart from this, flying the flag which comprises 14 alternating red and white stripes will help to stir the patriotic spirit.
Chairman of the Malay Civilisation Heritage Advisory Council of the Malay Language Board, Tan Sri Professor Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar) said each country has a national flag which helps to give birth to a sense of pride for the motherland.
"After gaining Independence in 1957 and with the formation of Malaysia, we too have a national flag comprising 14 red and white stripes, a crescent and a 14-point star," he told Bernama.
Abdul Latiff, who is also head of the Heritage and Civilisation Cluster at Universiti Islam Malaysia (UIM), said flying the flag on important days such as National Day should be done by all parties as a sign of love for the country.
"I am taken up by the people in Indonesia who are so respectful of their national flag and very proud to fly it as a sign of love for their country.
"This act is a sign of gratitude for their country, and we Malaysians should emulate our neighbour's spirit," he said.
Abdul Latiff said there are still many Malaysians who lack the willingness to fly the Jalur Gemilang, and some even behave disrespectfully towards the flag.
"The culture of flying the Jalur Gemilang is very important and should be instilled in citizens. So, perhaps it is time for the government to emphasise law enforcement in dealing with this issue," he added.
Meanwhile, national laureate Associate Professor Dr Lim Swee Tin said flying the Jalur Gemilang is a sign of love for the motherland and reminds every citizen of the need to defend the prosperity, independence and sovereignty that they are enjoying now.
"This is also part of the national heritage activities. We have to show the world that we have ways and methods of being a community and nation," he said.
Touching on the attitude of the younger generation towards the Jalur Gemilang, Lim said that along with the changing times, this group has its own ways of instilling in them the spirit of patriotism.
In this regard, he said all parties should look at ways to inculcate the love for the country in our young people instead of imposing laws or labelling them as unpatriotic.
"For example, young people 'fly' the Jalur Gemilang in their own ways, for example, by using the Jalur Gemilang emoticons when sending messages via social media.
"What's important is that we need to celebrate the National Month with full of splendour," he added.
With the theme "MADANI Malaysia: Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope", the 2023 National Day celebrations on Aug 31 will be held in Putrajaya whereas Malaysia Day (Sept 16) celebrations will be held at the Perpaduan Stadium in Kuching, Sarawak.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency