Next week is Independence Day in Malaysia, and the flags have been appearing all week.
There was an article in the newspaper saying that any business not displaying a flag will not have its licence renewed next year – hence the zealous hoisting of flags all over the country.
I was glad to see that my condo has at least 20 flags flying
So, we won’t all be evicted and the condo razed to the ground for non-compliance.
The police station across the road will also be staying in business –
Keen to get into the spirit of the celebration, I decided to make my own flag, from a free insert in the local paper.
As well as nice, clear instructions for assembling your flag, there is also an explanation of the symbolism behind the design
So I now know more about the Malaysian flag than I do about the Union Jack.
In best Blue Peter style, I followed the instructions to cut –
Detach –
and roll –
and hey presto …
Now all I need to do is enter the #raisetheflagMY competition and claim my prize, which could be a trip to Langkawi or dinner at the Sheraton.
According to the newspaper: The photos can then be shared on social media with the hashtag #RaiseTheFlagMY, with a personalised “love note” to Malaysia, a caption to capture the love for your country.
Just need to compose my love note – but as it’s been about 40 years since I last wrote a love note, it may take me a little time to dredge up the appropriate vocabulary.