I fully agree with Steven Gan's remarks that we should love our country more than the government. The government has never been perfect. As a matter of fact, there is no perfect government in the world.

Recently, we have been told not to raise our expectations too high and that we should be grateful for what the government has done for the country. In the same breath, we have been accused of not being patriotic for not flying the flags by some empty-headed leaders in government.

Sadly, today, the definition and interpretation of patriotism has been ideologically abused, twisted and verbally raped to suit the political fantasy of some narrow-minded politicians. In fact, more and more importance is given to 'physical form' rather than 'substance' of patriotism.

Rituals of celebrations are given more emphasis than the true spirit in our hearts. Being a law-abiding citizen and a God-fearing man is no longer interpreted as 'good enough'. Should we shout and scream loud enough to say, "We love Barisan Nasional" to qualify as being 'patriotic'?

Publicising the name of our country to the world, 'Malaysia Boleh', has been given so much more importance than fighting the indifference, inefficiency and apathy of local municipal councils and governance, for example. Fighting for political posts is taken for granted as a licence to power and influence rather than the humble aim of serving the rakyat .

Any politician who claims to be patriotic certainly do not need to be told that residents need "green lungs" in their residential areas. He should also know that it is good for the people and the country if we have a better living environment. Every Malaysian and government servant should know that being patriotic to the country means having a conscientious duty to serve the people and nation to their best of their abilities. For the good of the nation and not merely to please the prime minister or aspire for the next promotion.

What is the use of our country having the tallest building or first-class government infrastructure when our society is corrupted to the core? Or when our youths are drug addicted, and the majority of the unemployed resort to criminal activities. Or when more and more among the youth have forgotten the positive values and morals that bind the healthy family institution together?

How do you define 'patriotism' in such a scenario of poor governance and deteriorating living environment? Don't forget that the measurement of a healthy nation is as good as the level of integrity of a government. And the health of the government is determined by its leaders in government. Foolish and arrogant government leaders don't contribute positively to a nation.

It is not that we don't love the government, it is that we love our nation more. I am in no mood to carry the flag but I love my country.