In a statement, Lau said the ministry should not focus solely on superficial displays of patriotism.
“This effort must go beyond symbolism; it should help bridge ethnic divides and encourage students to act with awareness and purpose rather than out of mere obligation,” he said.
Instead, Lau urged the ministry to strengthen national unity through a curriculum that instils patriotic values and nurtures interethnic harmony.
He suggested the ministry integrate patriotism into classroom lessons and activities that encourage students to recognise, respect, and cherish the Jalur Gemilang and the national crest, understand the national anthem and stand with pride during flag-raising ceremonies.
The ministry must have a deeper, more comprehensive follow-up plan – one that actively cultivates patriotism among students and nurtures a future generation that is united and committed to the nation’s well-being, he added.
Earlier today, Bernama reported that public school students will have to wear a Jalur Gemilang badge on their school uniforms beginning April 21 following the Cabinet’s approval last month.
A circular issued by education director-general Azman Adnan on Monday said the students were required to wear the 5cm x 2cm plastic badge on their right chest.
The rule applies to students in government schools, government-aided schools, matriculation colleges and teacher training institutes – with other educational institutions encouraged to adopt the practice.
Guidelines for wearing the badge state that the policy is aimed at encouraging patriotism, fostering unity and showcasing national identity.
The guidelines also said state education departments and district education offices will be tasked with encouraging schools to host programmes on national values and the badge’s importance for national identity and patriotism.
Separately, MCA said it welcomed the move but urged the education ministry to focus on deeper education reforms and transparency in the procurement process.
The party’s education consultative committee deputy chairman, Felicia Wong, suggested revising the school curriculum to strengthen national unity.
“The five principles of the Rukun Negara, which are recited every week by schoolchildren, should also be clearly elaborated during civic education lessons,” she said in a statement today.
Wong also raised concerns over the procurement of the badges, urging the ministry to disclose details on the companies awarded the contracts, the cost of the badges and the financial impact on parents.
“The Madani government must prove that all government tenders go through the correct process and governance, free from practices of cronyism or nepotism and direct negotiations.”