National Anthem Before Movie To Help Instill Patriotism

By Norshazlina Nor'azman KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Awkward. That was the initial feeling of moviegoers when the national anthem was played in movie theatres nationwide late last month. Yet for many, as the national anthem 'Negaraku' was played, the awkwardness started to subside. Feelings of pride and patriotism for their beloved country begun to stir inside. The atmosphere in a cinema is usually a casual one, certainly not one that would call for feelings of patriotism. Thus, standing and singing the national anthem prior to a movie screening was a unique experience for many. During the recent Merdeka (Independence) Month celebrations, Negaraku was played at cinemas nationwide for a week starting Aug 28. It was aimed at instilling in Malaysians feelings of patriotism and loyalty towards the country. A BOOST OF PATRIOTISM Was the campaign successful in its purpose, especially among the younger generation? A marketing manager from Kuala Lumpur, Irwan Kamal, felt that it was. "I felt more enthusiastic than I anticipated as it had been so long since I sang the Negaraku. The last time I did so was at the stadium before a match,” said the 30-year-old who sang the anthem before watching the film “Tanda Putera'. He said it would also be good if Negaraku could be sung before each work day at offices. "The younger generation do not care to learn of the country's history and have little feelings of patriotism in them. I'm saying this from personal observation when Negaraku was played earlier on - some refused to stand and even made noise, talking among themselves," he said. His regret was shared by 25-year-old Mohd Taufik Othman from Bangi, who was saddened by the disrespect shown by his peers while Negaraku was played. He noted that even foreigners stood in respect to the national anthem. However, he felt proud to have had the opportunity to experience singing the national anthem in the cinemas thrice. "Rarely do I get the chance to sing Negaraku nowadays, unlike during my school days, when it was sung daily." KEEP IT GOING Why was the national anthem sung only on rare occasions nowadays, such as during Merdeka or Malaysia Day celebrations or before a football match against another country? Video editor Aliff JJ Abd Majid, 28, said it should be sung more often and during more occassions. "I, myself, felt a bit awkward singing the national anthem when it was first played at the cinema as I had not sung it since I left school. It was a bittersweet feeling when I realised that it doesn't matter who we support politically, we are still under the patronage of the Malaysian King (as indicated at the end of the Negaraku video, where His Majesty's image was shown)", he said. He suggested that the Negaraku videoclip shown at cinemas be improved in terms of visuals, as he felt that current imageries involving festival-themed visuals, evoked little feelings of patriotism among cinema goers. Technical assistant Mohd Iswadi Md Zain, 28, agreed with Aliff that the efforts to play the Negaraku in the cinema should be practiced at all times. He personnally viewed that visuals of the country's soldiers in action in the video clip shown prior to the national anthem managed to arouse feelings of gratitude for the peace and independence achieved by the nation. IMPACT STUDY Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek mooted the idea of playing the national anthem prior to movie screenings, in the week surrounding the Independence Day celebrations. The Information Ministry would be issuing an impact study report on the campaign's effectiveness before deciding on whether or not to continue with it in the future. "Overall, it was well-received. We are waiting to hear feedback on the campaign so that we will know whether to extend it or carry it out again next year," said Ahmad Shabery. Standing in respect to the national anthem is still an alien practice to some Malaysians. This is in contrast to India and Thailand, where the national anthem is played and sung in many public places as a show of patriotism. In Thailand, the national anthem is played in cinemas as well as every morning at train stations. Thais would stand in pride and respect during these occasions. Malaysia still has yet to see this taking place, but it certainly would not be wrong to implement campaigns that can help turn it into a common practice. -- BERNAMA