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I remember years ago when I sat with my loving dad, sharp every 8pm in our living room, every day, in front of the television, talking about the nation, corruption, development. He is such a good father to me, he told me everything he knew, explained me every single detail of issues that were broadcast. He taught me to think carefully, and to judge rationally without bias. And that was when I was 12 years old.

Today, as I am grown up, the scene still continues, and of course the conversation becomes more excited. I am more matured now, so I can sometime counter his opinion. He throws, I reply, without emotion, only by being logical and rational. We are both eager to turn that peaceful night to be a friendly forum.

That was superbly amazing to me, I feel so lucky to have that kind of father, who supports me all the time, and most importantly we share this madness together. We have become the great force of knowledge at home.

He spoke a lot about the nation to me, and sometimes to make his point more reliable, he recalled some memory or event or occasion that happened before I born so that he could convince me about the root of certain cases such as the amendments to the constitution that resulted in the loss of control of Borneo’s states over some of the 18/20 Sabah/Sarawak Points, and also the downgrade of Sarawak’s status as equal partner in the formation of Malaysia, just to name a few.

He taught me almost everything, nourished my nationalist spirit, shaped me as a very concerned citizen, and become a proud Sarawakian and Malaysian. My patriotic spirit grows naturally at home, without force from authority and without formal learning in school. And that spirit never faded, not even a little, in joy and hardship, in happiness and difficulties.

Even when the day I learned there were so many injustices, discrimination, bigotry, power abuse, and marginalisation of my state from development which were happening, the feeling is still the same. Rather than make it as an excuse to support Sarawak to pull out from the federation, I would rather think about how to solve the problem. Hope that the story of devolution of power will end with a happy ending.

If Fa Abdul has Haris Ibrahim, so do I have my loving dad. If she is amazed by her superman’s dedication, the same goes for me. He made me believe that a father-son could be the great force of nationalism, and realise that parents also contribute to the spirit of nationalism in their children. Of course I will do the same thing to my son or daughter tomorrow. Because that is what I should do. Be a good dad, just like my dad.

Yes, truthfully, parent play a great role in growing the seeds of nationalism and patriotism in their respective children. It is more than merely flying flags on their vehicles or premises, individuals should fully understand what is meant by independence, the power of freedom, and the contribution of our forefathers in building this nation, and parents should take responsibility for it. Let them be proud of being Malaysian.

Teach them pure patriotic spirit, so that the spirit that remains strong throughout happiness and sadness, up and down the country, the teaching should be pure, without conspiracy or hypocrisy. Make them strong and willing to endure and loyal even when hardship and difficulties hit the country.

A lot of ways to show our patriotic spirit

Tell them there are a lot of ways we can show our patriotic spirit. It is not necessary for them to join the battle or war. There are a lot more things we can do to defend the country either economically and socially. Studying hard, becoming a productive youth, not insulting others from different ethnic groups and faiths are among them.

Being a concerned citizen is also one of the ways we can show our spirit of patriotism. Open their eyes, their minds, their hearts. Let them learn how to determine what is right or wrong. Let them actively participate in the practice of democracy within the country. Tell them that obeying someone, a so-called leader, does not mean you are patriotic, and supporting the opposition does not necessary mean that you are a traitor.

Very simple, just like what my father did, talk and explain, speak honestly, tell them everything with patience, without boredom. Treat them the way you expect to be treated. Oh, maybe that is why my father eagerly told me the story of the nation. Thank him for that!

Oh, one more thing, this Aug 31 is the 59th birthday of the Federation of Malaya, the 53rd for Sabah, but not for Sarawak. We had it already on July 22. Even though nobody congratulated me, I am still happy, no disappointment. Happy Independence Day for my fellow Malaysians, by the way.

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