RESIDENTS and traders in Kuala Lumpur have slammed Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s recent remarks that they were unpatriotic for failing to fly the Jalur Gemilang, saying that many city folk choose to show their loyalty to the country in other ways.

Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association president M. Ali said that Tengku Adnan, who is popularly known as Kunan, was misguided in his observations that Kuala Lumpur residents were unappreciative and unpatriotic simply because many did not fly the national flag ahead of Merdeka celebrations.

“Patriotism and loyalty comes in many forms, which is being committed, (such as) showing responsibility, caring for the city and showing concern for the nation,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“We are all committed to the nation, because this is our country and our home.”

Ali said that many KL city residents were unhappy with government leaders, but remained loyal and patriotic to the country.

“If the people are unhappy, then it is because of the mess they (government) have created.

“They can’t talk about the people being unpatriotic when the politicians just do what they want, which is not in the interest of the people,” said Ali.

“It could be a sign of disgruntlement with the politicians and authorities who are managing the city on various issues,” he said.

Kunan had said he was disappointed with residents and traders for failing to fly the Jalur Gemilang, and also had Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) reduce the distribution of free flags as they would be wasted on city folks.

Housewife Maria Isa, 38, said she has been flying the Jalur Gemilang at the Kolam Air low-cost flats on Jalan Genting Klang for years.

“Since we shifted here seven years ago we have been loyally flying the flag.

“What Tengku Adnan said is not true. It is up to a person if they want to fly the flag or not.

“It doesn’t mean that if they don’t fly it, then they are unpatriotic,” she said.

Ahmad Hassan, who works at a Muslim bookstore in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, said many shops in the city centre were owned by foreigners, which explained why they did not display the national flag.

Ahmad said that before Tengku Adnan made assumptions on the people of KL, he should go and survey the area and see why the people are not putting up the flags.

“If he doesn’t engage with the stakeholders, how will he know what’s happening on the ground,” he said.

Another trader Chow Chin Hoay, who manages a ribbons and decorations shop, said she was preparing to fly the flag, as the shop had been doing for many years.

“It’s not true that we haven’t displayed the Jalur Gemilang. We have sent the flag to be washed and we expect to put it up in the next few days,” she said. – August 8, 2017.