Independent, but surrounded by rubbish

A day after Malaysia celebrated its 69th National Day, an overflowing rubbish bin confronted a visitor at Taman Tasik Metropolitan Kepong. Plastic, bottles, cups, food containers and other packaging lay scattered across the grass beside the bin.

The scene prompted a pointed question: after 69 years of independence, are Malaysians truly free in their attitudes, thinking and behavior? The article challenges the “never mind” mentality and the assumption that someone else will clean up after the public.

National pride is often expressed through the Jalur Gemilang and loud cries of “Merdeka!” But the writer argues that independence should also be visible on 1 September, when no one is watching. A full bin, the article says, does not give anyone permission to turn the grass into a second rubbish dump. People should find another bin or carry their waste with them.

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A full rubbish bin is not a license for us to turn the grass beside it into a second rubbish bin.

Malaysia wants advanced cities, modern transport, world-class infrastructure and a first-class standard of living. Yet civic awareness cannot be built with concrete, steel or government spending, the writer says. Authorities can provide parks, bins and cleaning staff, but responsibility for public behavior rests with citizens.

The article ends by proposing a different measure of patriotism: not the size of the flag or the volume of a National Day slogan, but what people do with a cup, bottle or food bag when nobody is looking. Love for Malaysia, it says, must continue every day after 31 August.

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Love for Malaysia is not only about 31 August. Love for Malaysia must continue on 1 September, 2 September and every day after that.