The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) said today it will not impose any fine on shops that fail to display the Jalur Gemilang throughout the annual National Day celebrations from Aug 15 to Sept 16.

Councillor Pooi Weng Keong told a press conference at the MPSJ building in Subang Jaya that the earlier reported announcement by council president Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan was only a proposal that had been rejected.

"The committee that met yesterday rejected the proposal.

"We cannot force patriotism... If you love your country, you would do it (display flags) naturally," said Pooi, who is in charge of Zone 24.

The Star had on Aug 12 quoted Nor Hisham as saying that the council would include the requirement to display flags in its business licencing and advertisement guidelines beginning next year.

He is also quoted as saying that a compound fine of up to RM1,000 would be issued to businesses that failed to display the national flag during the stipulated period.

However, Pooi clarified that no amendments would be made to the existing regulations for business licences under MPSJ's jurisdiction.

"There are no additional conditions for next year and also no such thing as a RM1,000 compound," he said.

Councillor Chang Kim Loong also said that patriotism is not something that can be forced.

"To me patriotism cannot be compelled.

"We cannot make laws to force people to put up the flags," said Chang, who is a councillor representing an NGO, the National House Buyers' Association.

Nor Hisham had reportedly said the move would be introduced to encourage the spirit of patriotism among residents and to enliven the National Day celebrations.