Patriotism comes in many form

Malaysia Defense Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has cooked up a storm
Citing lack of patriotism as the reason why Non Malays did not join the military is wrong
The Defense Minister must understand that patriotism comes in many form
As we can see from the day this nation gained her independence that has been far so long

We have a Non Malay badminton player that crushed our rivals until they mourn
We have a Non Malay squash player that has been riding high and still moving on
We have 2 Non Malay Mt Everest climbers with the strength of King Kong
We have a Non Malay famous actress that acted with James Bond

We have a Non Malay famous shoe designer who now have became a global icon
We have many Non Malay professionals working abroad but they are never long gone
These are the people who stick their heads up so that Malaysia can be strong
These are the same people who were Malaysian born

Reason to this problem is probably a paycheck that cannot even get them a Dom Perignon
Perhaps its time for Defense Ministry to offer better paycheck for those who can perform
Of course, annual bonuses can also come along
This will make them feel appreciated that military is where they belong

If you ask a Non Malay abroad, they will say Malaysia is where they are from
They will still go on line to read The Star, NST and etc even if they are in Hong Kong
They love Malaysia even if they disagree with some government policies or beyond
Their patriotism has proven to be nice and warm



Sources:  The Star (November 10, 2010 - November 12, 2010)