The flag-flying exhortations are becoming ridiculous, several ministers have berated us about this, and the Kuala Lumpur mayor has gone on walkabouts to check on who is and isn't flying the flag. One menteri besar wants to legislate compliance with the 'fly-the-flag' order.

Don't these so-called public servants have enough serious work to do?

This whole frenzy over what is a purely voluntary act may look like a trivial matter but it is a symptom of what ails this nation - namely, the emphasis of form over substance and the total disregard of individual rights.

It is not as if we are celebrating some national achievement. The anniversary of independence is important and calls for deep reflection and contemplation of how far we Malaysians have come and where we are headed. It also calls for us to contemplate on the ills besetting us and what we must do to overcome them.

It does not necessarily call for the kind of frenzied mindless hoopla that the government seems bent on making us perform.

Did we win the Olympics? Did we abolish oppressive laws? Did we institute a human rights charter that guarantees all Malaysians inalienable rights a'la the US Declaration of Independence or the Magna Carta? Did we free the oppressed and welcome the refugees? No!

This is just the nation's anniversary of independence, just like you and I have birthdays and anniversaries.

Besides, I am quite sure the traffic regulations prohibit the use of flags on cars. Motorists have even taken to wrapping their bonnets with the national flag which to me is not only degrading the flag but may cause the parts of the flag that are tucked into the engine compartment to catch fire when the engine is hot enough.

I am informed that, apparently on the order of the Education Department, schools have taken weeks of study time off to focus on mindless activities such as making the longest flag, displaying the most flags, etc, just to get into record books and to display patriotism.

Indeed I am encouraged that most Malaysians are not taken up by such mindless activities. They would be moved to celebrate their patriotism the day the government stops its hypocritical policies to ensure equal treatment and equal opportunities for all citizens and seriously stamp out corruption and cronyism especially amongst the ruling elite and their kind.

Indeed perhaps the reason most Malaysians refuse to celebrate National Day is because they are in mourning for the corruption and injustices that beset the nation.