I refer to the letter Upside down flag improper .

The writer has written a very persuasive and convincing letter and his patriotism comes shining through. "The nation is not perfect but we are doing alright so what is the distress", he says.

I believe that many of us have to cope with a different kind of national distress and it is promoted by the antics of the BN and, in particular, Umno.

First, the distinction between the nation and BN/Umno has been so blurred that the spin-masters of the government have hijacked the national agenda and any national success in anything and everything to mean a BN/Umno achievement. There is truimphalism and chest-beating for days on end through the mainstream media and particularly by the TV networks.

One never fails to notice the large presence of Umno politicans taking the limelight in the celebrations. It seems that all those who put in so much effort behind the scenes do not seem to matter.

The silver medal in badminton at the last Olympics was an Umno achievement for anyone looking at the media coverage during the money presentation. It made a good story for the by-election at Permatang Pauh.

Next, the nation is beset with hundreds of problems which affect the everyday lives of the rakyat and yet nothing seems to be done. Murders, robberies, rapes. snatch-thieves, identity-thefts, road-bullying, etc. Do we expect the rakyat to solve these by themselves?

Next, the government is tainted with corruption, sleaze and bullying of the rakyat and yet the perception is that they are all above the law and can do no wrong. How convenient for the government to ask for proof of their misdeeds from the rakyat.

Next, institutionalised racism is at its worst and yet the government pretends that all is fine.

Next, just look at the vulgar methods used to denigrate an opponent who was no less than one of their own. The government that is supposed to uphold Islamic values could not have stooped any lower.

And this is the same government that exhorts us to show our patriotism by flying the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ to celebrate our Merdeka and to shower our gratitude unto them. One set of rules for them and a different set of rules for those who are not of them!

How does one reconcile such hypocrisy? I will fly the flag upside down because it has already been desecrated by the very people who should be protecting its sanctity.

My reason for flying it upside down is not to further desecrate it but to use it as a life-line to call attention to my distress. Is anyone listening?