Patriotism is more than parades, it lives in our daily actions

Merdeka is often marked with flags, parades, and fireworks, but Malaysians believe true unity is built in the small gestures of daily life.

From giving up a seat on the MRT to speaking out against racism, these everyday actions are what carry the spirit of independence long after the celebrations end.

According to Dr Wan Munira Wan Jaafar, a senior lecturer at the Department of Social and Development Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, national unity is not created only through government programmes but lived through everyday behaviour.

“Honestly, I think the small everyday things we do matter just as much if not more than the big government campaigns.

“Of course, national unity programs like Rukun Negara or Malaysia Madani set the tone and give us a common vision. But in real life, unity isn’t built on slogans. It is built when people live those values,” she said when contacted recently.

She explained that in Malaysia’s multicultural setting, simple gestures such as sharing food across communities, joining festive open houses, or even showing patience on the road can break barriers more effectively than speeches or posters.

“These ‘micro-moments’ carry symbolic weight. Unlike campaigns, these acts are authentic and repeated daily, making unity a lived experience rather than an abstract concept.

“At the end of the day, unity is not something the government can only enforce. It must come from us through empathy, courtesy, and small daily choices that show we care about each other beyond race, religion, or background. That is how unity becomes real,” she added.

Moreover, Dr Wan Munira also pointed out that overlooked habits such as smiling at a service worker, thanking a delivery rider, or greeting someone in their own language can go a long way.

“When people feel seen and respected, it breaks down invisible barriers,” she said.

She believes kindness should not be seen as “extra” but as normal practice.

“If people see kindness happening often; like someone giving up their seat on the train or treating a waiter with respect; it slowly sets a standard. We tend to copy what feels normal,” she said, adding that schools, media, and even social media play a role in celebrating everyday kindness until it becomes part of Malaysian identity.

On the issue of confronting racism and misinformation, Dr Wan Munira encouraged what she called “care-frontation” instead of confrontation.

“Instead of attacking someone directly, we can ask questions like, ‘Eh, are you sure that is true? I read something different,’ or gently remind them, ‘That comment might hurt others, lah.’ It opens space for reflection without putting the other person on the defensive,” she said.

In addition, she also stated that outrage tends to go viral more quickly than kindness, but Malaysians can change that by amplifying positive stories.

“Outrage may flare up quickly, but courtesy and compassion have the power to sustain unity. It is about making kindness not just quiet background noise, but the headline,” she said.

Her three simple actions for Malaysians were to listen before judging, share and celebrate differences, and speak up kindly.

Reflecting on patriotism during Merdeka, she observed that it often peaks during celebrations but fades in daily life.

Munira also pointed out that in her opinion, real patriotism is not about waving the flag louder than others or proving which group loves Malaysia more.

It is about the quiet, everyday actions such as treating people with dignity, being fair in business, respecting diversity.

If we saw those as patriotic too, then the Merdeka spirit would not just appear once a year, it would be something we live daily and it would unite us, not divide us.

“Community spirit is really the glue that holds unity together,” she said as she further emphasised the importance of community spirit by recalling how in earlier times neighbours leaned on one another regardless of race.

Today, she suggested reviving that spirit through ‘gotong-royong’, community sports, and neighbourhood support groups.

“This Merdeka let’s carry the spirit beyond the parades and into our daily lives. Happy Independence Day!” she added.