Mak Chee Kin of the Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education said initiatives of this sort would prove futile if such values are not instilled from a young age.
“I don’t think compelling them to wear a badge (of Malaysia’s flag) will be effective in fostering unity and patriotism,” he told FMT, adding that it would be a waste of time and money.
“Even if one were to wear 10 badges, it would be of no use if your kids are not raised with these values of unity and tolerance.”
It was reported yesterday that public school students would have to wear a Jalur Gemilang badge on their school uniforms beginning April 21, following the Cabinet’s approval of the initiative last month.
The rule will apply to students in government schools, government-aided schools, matriculation colleges, and teacher training institutes, with other educational institutions encouraged to adopt the practice.
The ministry also expressed hope that students wearing the Jalur Gemilang would become responsible and disciplined.
Mak said disunity in the country was not caused by students but by politicians who play the race and religious card for mileage.
“As long as these politicians continue to exploit these issues, and the public continues to be easily swayed, it will be difficult for the country to attain the unity and tolerance enjoyed in the past,” he said.
He suggested that elected representatives wear a badge that reads: “Don’t touch on 3R issues” to remind them not to destroy harmony in the country.
He said if politicians stopped exploiting racial and religious issues and set an example, there would be no need to force the public to wear badges.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Anuar Ahmad welcomed the initiative but said the focus should be on the bigger agenda of seeing the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara held in high regard.
“Making it compulsory for students to wear a badge is insufficient.
“The education ministry must make programmes on appreciating the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara compulsory,” he said.
He also said that initiatives to strengthen patriotism should be expanded to private and international schools, as a majority of the students in these institutions are Malaysians.