By Lee Lam Thye

                        I AGREE with the views of Datuk A Kadir Jasin in his Other Thots column (New Sunday
                        Times, Aug 29) when he wrote on the significance of flying the flag to show our love for the
                        nation.

                        This has indeed been an opportune time for Malaysians of all races to display their patriotic spirit
                        and show their love to the nation they belong with a sense of pride.

                        One effective way of displaying that patriotic spirit and love for the nation is by flying our national
                        flag - the Jalur Gemilang.

                        Cultivating pride in the flag is one of the important attributes of nation-building.

                        Malaysians should be proud of their national flag because it is a symbol of national pride and
                        patriotism which can contribute towards efforts to promote and strengthen the process of
                        nation-building in our multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural nation.

                        It symbolises unity and loyalty. It is essential that we inculcate in the young the values of
                        nationalism and patriotism. One such way is to teach them to respect the flag.

                        Organising "Love Your Flag" campaigns among the younger generation is essential to enable
                        them to understand the significance of the flag and what it symbolises. And this should be done
                        not only in conjunction with National Day celebrations but throughout the year.

                        It is equally imperative to impress upon the youth the significance of National Day and the
                        commemoration of Merdeka.

                        To the older generation of Malaysians, National Day conjures up memories of the struggle
                        against colonialism to secure independence. It signifies sacrifice and a sense of pride over what
                        has been achieved.

                        However, with regard to the younger generation, especially those born after 1957, a survey
                        conducted by a local daily showed that while our youths are generally nationalistic, many still do
                        not feel strongly about the meaning of independence.

                        To them National Day is just another public holiday - a day when they can rest and involve
                        themselves in some leisurely activities.

                        Very few interviewed knew exactly the significance of National Day.

                        One 12-year old pupil, Ananda Prakash, must be commended when he described National Day
                        as a historic event to mark the day we gained freedom - a day to appreciate all the people who
                        fought for it 42 years ago.

                        More therefore needs to be done to educate the young on the significance ofNational Day.

                        There are other ways for Malaysians to display their patriotic spirit in their daily life, such as in
                        their thoughts and actions in protecting and preserving national interests.

                        I am not suggesting that flying the Jalur Gemilang is the only way to show our patriotism to the
                        nation.

                        As we commemorate the 42nd year of independence, we should undoubtedly reflect on our past
                        efforts in nation-building and prepare to face the many challenges in the new millennium.

                        We should renew our resolve to work towards building Malaysia into a truly harmonious, united,
                        progressive and prosperous nation in which we all can be proud of. Malaysia today stands out as
                        an example of how different ethnic communities can exist in peace and harmony and work
                        together for progress.

                        One of the foremost challenges outlined in Vision 2020, which embodies the finest traditions of
                        our people, is how to build a united Malaysian nation - "a nation at peace with itself, territorially
                        and ethnically integrated, living in harmony and full and fair partnerships made up of one Bangsa
                        Malaysia with loyalty and dedication to the nation".

                        National unity is very vital and is the key to Malaysia's success. Whether Malaysia will become a
                        fully developed nation by the year 2020 depends on a number of important factors such as
                        leadership and public response.

                        But the most important critical factor is still the unity of the people.