'Negaraku' in cinemas, what's the big deal?

Many people question those who didn’t agree with having to stand up and belt out the ‘Negaraku’ before watching their movie of choice, as this was not the first time it happened here in Malaysia.

“I first experienced this last year, when I went to watch a movie with my husband. I remembered, before the anthem came on, a video was played, showcasing how the Malaysian security forces risked their lives on the battlefield to protect our beloved country,” said Najwa Ahmad, 35, a marketing manager.

“I remembered being tremendously impressed by the video, the production was top-notch quality and it really succeeded in reminding people of what our security forces have to go through, just so we can live in peace.

“After that video, everyone pretty much was more than happy to get on their feet to sing the Negaraku, which played right after,” the Petaling Jaya resident told Astro AWANI yesterday.

On Aug 22 last year, Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek announced that cinemas nationwide would be playing the Negaraku before every movie for a week in running up to the 56th Merdeka Day on Aug 31.

The initiative by the ministry last year also saw the introduction of two songs written for that Merdeka celebration – Pesanan Terakhir (90 seconds) and Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku (150 seconds) – both produced by the National Film Development Corporation (Finas).

Sarv K., 26, also has no issue singing the national anthem in the spirit of Merdeka and Malaysia Day, saying that people should get into the spirit of things when the time calls for it.

“When you’re watching TV during Chinese New Year, and a CNY advertisement comes on, people generally don’t take offence.

"The same can be said with playing Negaraku in cinemas, everyone is in the spirit and you tend to be surrounded by these things," said the equities banker.

Meanwhile, architect Fitri Shahril likens the experience of standing up in cinemas to visiting a mosque.

"It is a matter of respect, why is it so difficult to stand?

"When you go to a mosque you cover up, when you hear the national anthem you should stand,” he said passionately.

As for Serena Ng, 30, she said she didn't mind standing up but oppose those who act violently towards others who do not stand.

“A good friend of mine was watching a movie recently, and she decided she did not want to stand for the national anthem.

“To her shock and dismay, a man who sat behind her violently kicked her seat, almost knocking her forward and told her that she was being disrespectful.

“I don’t agree with that at all. Just because someone does not share the same sentiment as you, it doesn’t mean you're allowed to be violent towards them,” she said.

Yesterday, Kuching DAP MP Chong Chieng Jen denounced the playing of Negaraku in cinemas throughout this year's Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations in a scathing Facebook rant.

In his Facebook page, Chong wrote, "Since when has this playing of the national anthem in cinemas started?

"Is Malaysia heading towards the communist Mao era where everywhere you go, you must shout out loud and show that you are a patriot?"