Kuala Lampur, Aug. 12 -- Every August, schools across Malaysia turn into miniature celebrations of patriotism. Jalur Gemilangs decorate corridors, students rehearse patriotic songs and assemblies echo with speeches about unity. Yet an uncomfortable question remains: What happens to Merdeka after the celebration ends?

If patriotism is taught only through annual rituals, we risk producing students who can recite Rukun Negara but struggle to practise its values in everyday life. Merdeka should therefore move from the calendar into the curriculum, and from the curriculum into children's character. Schools can make this shift by transforming Merdeka activities into authentic experiences.

Instead of merely organising patriotic performances, s...