Flying the Jalur Gemilang is not the yardstick to measure an individual's patriotism, said National Civics Bureau director-general Dr Nordin Kardi today.

His comment comes in the wake of Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir's lament yesterday that not many Malaysians were flying the national flag and this reflected their lack of patriotism.

The minister, who said he was 'saddened' by the situation, added that this could give rise to detrimental consequences.

In May this year, Abdul Kadir irked the Chinese community when he questioned their loyalty for not being supportive towards the flag-flying drive.

'Individual contribution'

However, Nordin said contributions towards the nation's development was more indicative of a person's patriotism than flying the flag.

He added that refraining from committing acts detrimental to the nation's sovereignty and interests was another significant indication of the patriotism level.

"Flying the Jalur Gemilang during the Merdeka month celebrations could be a gimmick to show love for the country.

"To me, the individual's contributions to the nation is the actual measure of patriotism," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.

Nordin was speaking to reporters after launching the 'Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign' at the Putrajaya schools' complex this morning.

He said patriotism could also be proven by rejecting bribes and other forms of corruption which might lead to the destruction of a nation.

"If every worker in the public and private sectors works an extra 15 minutes a day, this will help the nation grow rapidly.

"This effort is more practical and can be done anytime, not only during the Merdeka month," he said.

Recently, Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz warned all public vehicle owners to adorn their vehicles with the flag or face action.

In 2001, Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo had deliberated on the idea of legislating a state law that would make it an offence no to raise the flag.