Navy retiree concerned young people forget responsibility to protect country’s image

JOHOR BAHRU: Loyalty to the leader, ruler and country is the most important value that should exist among all Malaysians to protect the country’s sovereignty and image , but unfortunately, it is fading among the young people.

Expressing concern over the matter, retired navy, Mohd Sarif Kalam, 82, said it was because the young people were comfortable with their life that they forgot their responsibility.

“When loyalty to the leaders, ruler and country no longer exists, there is a tendency for them to engage in unhealthy activities, like fighting among themselves, criticising the leaders and rulers, despite them being educated people.

“Why does this happen?… it is because they live in luxury and have a comfortable life, and not brought up with the necessary values that they forget to show respect to their country and leaders who contributed to the comfort of their present life,” he said when contacted recently.

Mohd Sarif is among the three navy officers who were tasked to raise the flag of Malaya (now known as Jalur Gemilang) on Merdeka Day at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 31, 1957.

He said the situation could be corrected through religious teachings.

“Religious education is the most important. We will not do bad things if we hold firm to our religious teachings.

“At the same time, impart to them the spirit of patriotism,” he said. -