A Malaysian father has touched hearts nationwide for his heartfelt efforts in teaching his two young sons the value of patriotism, with a focus on respecting the national flag badge and embracing the Malay language in everyday life.
The father, known as Ng, shared his parenting approach in a Facebook post that quickly gained traction. In his post, he playfully nicknamed his sons after Malaysia's beloved animated twins, "Upin & Ipin," and explained a set of principles he has established at home surrounding the Jalur Gemilang badge, which is sewn onto their school uniforms.
More Than Just a Badge
Ng stressed to his children that the badge is not simply an accessory but a symbol of national pride. He urged them never to let it fall to the ground or get dirty, reminding them that it represents the country and deserves the utmost respect.
"When wearing the Jalur Gemilang badge, you must speak in Malay. Whether you're buying food at the canteen, talking to Chinese aunties and uncles, or greeting your friends at school, even in a Chinese school, Malay must be your first language," he advised.
To instill discipline, Ng also enforced a unique rule: if his sons showed no improvement in their Malay language skills, he would remove the badges from their uniforms. If asked by teachers, the boys were instructed to answer truthfully, "Because our Malay is not good, Dad took it away."
A Lesson in Responsibility
For Ng, the national badge is more than a decorative patch, it's a reminder of duty. He believes that by wearing it, students should embody the values of a responsible Malaysian citizen. He even noted he wouldn't hesitate to explain his reasoning to the school principal, should any questions arise.
"You need to understand the wisdom and responsibility that come with being a national school student," he explained.
Praise from the Prime Minister
Ng's parenting style struck a chord online, quickly going viral and receiving over 14k likes. Many netizens praised his sincerity and thoughtful approach to instilling patriotism in the younger generation.
Among those who took notice was none other than Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who left a heartfelt comment under the post:
"Thank you for sowing the seeds of love for the country."
Ng, humbled by the recognition, replied:
"Thank you, Datuk Seri, for giving the children the national flag badges to wear on their school uniforms. We will cherish them."
As Malaysia looks toward the future, stories like these shine a spotlight on the everyday acts of patriotism that start at home, one badge, one language lesson, and one value at a time.
