Renew the spirit of nationhood

• Main Author: Mohd Noor Merican, Ahmad Murad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd 2019
• Subjects: B Philosophy (General); B69 History and systems; D History (General); HM Sociology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/111504/6/111504_Renew%20the%20spirit%20of%20nationhood.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/111504/; https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2019/12/547044/renew-spirit-nationhood

Over the decades, this newspaper has carried many opinion pieces on Negaraku. Two of which were my columns — one accounting on the origins of the national anthem (December 2017), and the other Negaraku as a national symbol and icon. Some have described it as an experiment in national integration, viz, allowing for the “diversity” in which the national anthem can be sung. Such an attitude is deviant. What we are facing is an experiment in national disintegration. This is not a question of “should not mock Negaraku and Jalur Gemilang” but one of extreme irreverence to the spirit of nationhood. I have to stress this again this time around as in my many previous columns. We know that Negaraku, as well as the meanings in its lyrics, is a cultural symbol, an icon for nation-building and national integration.