UNFORTUNATELY, most people could not differentiate between the nationalism and patriotism, including the most learned and top leaders, as long as their understandings are stuck at a superficial level.
While the former is natural and automatic, the latter requires much effort and is earned through positive actions.
Nationalism stems from our basal instinct inherent in all of us, which governs our behaviour. One of which is tribalism that started from the dawn of civilisation and will continue until the end of time.
In addition to self-identity, most people also identify with one or more groups, be they religious, political, territorial or on common grounds. It turns unhealthy when a group prioritises its own interests and excludes or discriminates against outsiders, resulting in a us versus them mentality.
If not reined in, it could turn into ugly nationalism that leads to divisions, hostilities and conflicts within our nation and with others.
Powerful countries that have reached ultra-nationalism assert their hegemony and use violent coercion to control others in the pursuit of their own interests.
Now, back to basal instinct at an individual’s level. It is a basic and instinctive tendency to behave in a particular way even without prior learning or experience. Earlier, I had described it as natural and automatic, such as nationalism and the strong attachment to our country of birth.
In international games, matches and contests, we naturally cheer for competitors from our home country, reaching a crescendo when one of them wins the tournament or championship. These strong natural feelings stem from our innate nationalism but wrongly interpreted as patriotism.
All competitors who have trained hard and played well are patriotic, regardless of them winning or losing, as they have already put in the sheer amount of effort to compete. When crowned champion, they become nationalistic by wrapping themselves with or waving our national flag.
Fervent support for a team does not equate to patriotism. This can be seen in many football matches where supporters can be fanatical, be it for a state, national or foreign team playing thousands of kilometres away, and these fans may never have met the players in person.
Take for example Manchester United that won the most titles (13) in the English Premier League, winning the last championship in the 2012-2013 season.
It is now struggling with 10 other teams at the bottom half of the table. Still, there is no shortage of diehard supporters remaining loyal.
Therefore, strong feelings of nationalism and loyalty are not the be-all and end-all. What all Malaysians should strive for is patriotism, the quintessential element.
While nationalism is a political, social and cultural ideology centred on a nation’s interest and at times in conflict with others, patriotism is a sense of love and pride for one’s country and a willingness to defend its territories, assets, values and principles, and helping all its citizens.
While many nationalists have caused harm by sowing hatred and condemning their own citizens and foreigners, patriots are admired everywhere as they promote unity and civic responsibility by engaging in national and international affairs, always working towards a common good for all.
Just like religions are centred on rituals and ceremonies, nationalism often revolves around flag raising ceremonies, singing of the national anthem, national day parades and lengthy speeches. But not all those who actively engage in such activities are necessarily holy or patriotic.
It is common to see uniformed enforcement officers raising our Jalur Gemilang and belting out “Negaraku” in gusto. But they could be anything but patriotic if corrupt.
On the other hand, those patriotic are the silent majority among us, apart from our defence forces, both past and present.
Any citizen who studies or works hard and is productive at work contributes to our country’s economy and helps in nation building is a patriot, more so for those who pay a significant amount of taxes or donate to charity using their wealth, talent or time.
On the other hand, traitors are those who have no qualms in tearing down communities and our country by dividing the people, often playing up religious, racial or linguistic issues that have long been settled when our country achieved independence and formation of Malaysia. – April 25, 2025
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: The Borneo Post
