True Patriotism Demands Accountability at Home

 

Yesterday I read a Tweet by a friend, Ir.Kumar @skumar176 quoting Clarence Darrow.

 “True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.”

It suggests that a genuine love for one’s country isn’t about blind loyalty or flag-waving; it’s about holding your nation to a higher standard. True patriots, Darrow implies, are more outraged by wrongs at home because they expect better from their own people, their own system. It’s a call to focus on fixing your own house before pointing fingers elsewhere.

Darrow’s words challenge the hypocrisy of the mayor and DBKK Director General, who fail to address the unresolved issues in my property dispute. It’s a gut-check for any society that claims to value justice.

As a Malaysian seeking resolution for a property dispute in Kota Kinabalu, I’ve encountered roadblocks that seem to contradict the JPA’s call for civil servants to uphold the government’s reputation (The Star, 10 June 2025).  Since 2022, I’ve raised concerns with DBKK and Lembaga Juruukur Sabah (LJS) about a non-compliant driveway gradient and a missing retaining wall mandated by DBKK, critical for my son’s property purchased in 2014. Despite meetings, surveys, and escalations to the State’s Integrity Department, my simple questions remain unanswered. LJS suggests legal action instead of providing clarity, while DBKK has yet to confirm key details from their own records. 

The JPA’s directive urges public officers to avoid tarnishing the government’s name, yet pushing citizens toward costly litigation feels like “washing dirty linen in public.” True patriotism means resolving injustices—like non-compliance in construction—amicably and transparently at home. Who bears responsibility when authorities sidestep accountability?  I’ve sought guidance from JPA and await a response from Puan Siti Fairuz of BIGoNS. My full story is shared here:LINK

 

Let’s work together for fair solutions. 

To oppose corruption in government is the highest obligation of patriotism.

― G. Edward Griffin