KUCHING: The recent controversy over a graphic by Sin Chew Daily, that showed the Malaysian flag without its crescent moon, has sparked debates about national symbols and racial sensitivities.
In a video uploaded today on his personal YouTube channel, Prof. Dr Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi, a renowned academic, shared his perspective on the matter.
He addressed the racial tensions raised by the flag’s depiction, emphasising the need for greater empathy and understanding among Malaysians.
“If Malaysia were a human being, it would have suffered a heart attack a long time ago,” he said, referring to the heightened racial tensions that often surface in the country.
He pointed out that both Malays and non-Malays, alongside social media influencers, have contributed to the growing discord, driven by a lack of wisdom and understanding of the country’s history and cultural context.
He further explained that young people, often unaware of the significance of such symbols, were quick to fuel controversies for the sake of gaining views and attention.
“Young people who know next to nothing about wisdom, this is going to burn our country down to a cinder,” Tajuddin warned, stressing the importance of focusing on unity rather than divisive issues.
While acknowledging the importance of national symbols like the flag, Tajuddin emphasised that they should not overshadow the essential values of justice, unity and mutual respect.
He reflected on his personal journey with the Malaysian flag, describing it as a symbol of national pride, especially during his youth when it represented support for the national football team.
“As a teenager, I played soccer, and of course, we all supported Mokhtar Dahari, Soh Chin Ann and Santokh Singh,” he shared, remembering the pride that came with seeing the Malaysian flag during football matches.
“But for me, the flag is just a symbol. What was important is the country, and that we have this great relationship between our leaders who were taking us somewhere.”
Tajuddin said his relationship with the flag changed over time, as it had little meaning to him in his youth, but after the political changes in 2018 with the rise of Pakatan Harapan, he bought his first flag to display at home.
“I was proud of the Malaysian people, of going out and ousting the Barisan Nasional government,” he said.
He also cautioned against placing undue emphasis on minor mistakes or errors related to the flag, such as the Sin Chew Daily issue.
“Yes, the flag is important. But for me, the flag represents something more than just the red and white stripes, the crescent moon and the star,” he explained.
“It represents the dignity of the people.”
He also expressed concern about the growing tendency to focus on trivial issues while ignoring deeper injustices that affect the nation’s citizens.
“I ask that all Malaysians practise what the flag symbolises, that is honouring each other, respecting one another, and having compassion for one another,” he said, urging people to move beyond superficial conflicts and work towards genuine unity.
