When August comes, it is the season again for patriotic feats and other displays. There is Jalur Gemilang II solo adventurer Shamsurrijal Abdul Jamil, who is driving his Proton GTi around the world, the journey will take a year to complete.

Then there is the largest Jalur Gemilang which was stolen and recovered and is on display in Penang to instill patriotism among Penangites.

Next, is former serviceman Abdul Ghafar Abdul Razak embarking on a solo Merdeka cycling expedition in conjunction with Malaysia's 46th national day celebrations.

The Information Ministry will distribute 100,000 Jalur Gemilang free to the public during this month so that they can display their patriotism freely.

Patriotism is best kept closed to the heart where it should burn fervently and not on one's sleeves or cars. It should also not be an August affair but reflected daily through one's actions.

Therefore, it comes as surprise to read that Entrepreneur Development Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz had virtually ordered all commercial vehicles to fly the Jalur Gemilang.

He reportedly said that beginning this year it was compulsory for all public transport and commercial vehicles to fly the national flag from Aug 1 to Sept 16.

Doesn't our minister realise that certain things should not be forced.