THERE is lot that can be said about the way we show our love for our country. Every year, as the month of August rolls in, we’re reminded of how our Malaysian spirit has diminished over the years.

Ministers will be quick to tell us how the number of flags being displayed on our cars or on our balconies is a sign of us being ungrateful and unappreciative over the battles our forefathers fought. Or to bring this discussion to a more contemporary feel, the political leaders who have fought tooth and nail to reform this country – their efforts are often being met with cynicism and pessimism, that is both soul crushing and sad.

Much of the negativity that has recently permeated the country is mostly due to daily conversations about our nation’s greatest scandals, corruption, the decline in rank of our education and healthcare systems, and of course, the drastic increase of our cost of living.

To be honest, such topics do very little to ignite a sense of national pride and as we watch the world pass by us, we are left reminded our nation’s shortcomings.

Perhaps Mark Twain summed it up best when he stated, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and supporting your government when they deserve it”.

For most of us, we are unable to separate our country from the ruling federal government, hence, negatively negating patriotism as a sign of support for a government that hasn’t exactly been there for the rakyat.

It has been about eight years since the political tsunami of 2008 that solidified our nation’s need for socio-political reforms and since then, we have seen decisions being made that further corrode our democratic institution and personal liberties.

Llooking back at the last eight years and looking forward into a not so distant future, we can safely assume that political civility and maturity can only be achieved if we can get our act together.

The number of incidences that has graced our news portals shows a federation that is becoming increasingly polarised and intolerant. Acts of senseless brutality and bigotry are sanctioned and endorsed by several political leaders from the far right, whose main objective is to wrest absolute control through manipulation and unabashed dominance.

But in our 21st century, our battle to reinstate democracy will not be fought with guns but rather with information and the aspiration to inspire a generation or two. Our founders framed the Constitution to prevent conflict that may arise from tyrannical rule and other acts that repress the political process.

However, after 60 years, our federation has given way to fascism and a pseudo-democratic government that only speaks for the top 1%.

In 2017, Malaysians have a lot to worry about and such trepidation can be mentally exhausting. Although, lately, it appears as though we have more things to feel embarrassed about, however, the true test of patriotism lays in how we, as Malaysians, deal with such crisis.

Patriotism has taken several meanings and has personified itself in many ways. For Malaysians, as we are forced to face an impending uncertain future and a general elections that can make or break us, our task is to continue with vigour the discourse about freedom that our founders envisioned.

And that is, by far, one of the greatest responsibilities of today’s patriots. – August 26, 2017.

* Syerleena is a councillor at the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). She is a Malaysian who believes that our life experiences shape us into fascinating beings.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.