What has become of this country today? Have we got any reasoning and rationality left?  

May I know what is the logic for a group people or a NGO to be given a block of vanity number plates known as ‘patriot’?

How can they argue that the government loses nothing ? If 10,000 numbers are given away, it means the government will issue 10,000 numbers less. Did the decision-makers go to school in the first place? If the government gets only RM1 million while the NGO gets RM10, we must be idiots to buy the story that the government loses nothing.

Who are theses ‘patriotic’ NGO people? Are the members of this NGO more patriotic than other Malaysians in the country? How do they define patriotism and what did they do which which qualified them to label themselves as more patriotic than others? How did they promote patriotism - sing more patriotic songs, read more patriotic pledges, and wear more fanciful uniforms?  

If I am a citizen working hard, creating value, paying my taxes, saving up, raising my children and educating them properly, am I being patriotic?  

Can we ever talk our way to becoming more patriotic? Samuel Johnson once said patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. So be careful when calling oneself patriotic. When citizens are treated fairly, able to earn a decent living and live a comfortable and secure environment, patriotism to the country will come naturally.

On the other hand, when they are shortchanged, bullied, denied and cheated, no amount of patriotic talk and hogwash are going to make the difference.  

If today we have a patriotic NGO to profit from Road Transport Department numbers, what is there for another group of parasites to start another ‘wira’, ‘hero’ or ‘negarawan’ NGO? I think the government must ready decide what is rational and logical. We can’t be creating one baloney after another.  

To those who intend to buy these vanity numbers, I just wish to ask one simple question: what is so noble and patriotic to own these numbers? I think there are differences between you being bestowed as a patriotic citizen and you driving around displaying patriotism on your foreheads. Instead of honouring you, some may despise you.