Would I be a lesser patriot by refusing to adorn my car and house with the national flag during the Merdeka month? Or is my patriotism only calculated by this?

If the questions were posed to government ministers, the answers will most likely be in the affirmative.

These ministers have taken it upon themselves to instil patriotism among Malaysians, and the most effective way to do this, according to them, is to fly the flag.

As a result, flags are everywhere - from high-rise buildings to lampposts. Not to be outdone, private vehicle owners also adorn their vehicles with the flag, some out of compulsion.