Needed: Code for national flag Wednesday, 12 May 2010 11:16

Every country treasures its national flag as a symbol of its uniqueness. It is proudly flown at public and private buildings, at the country’s embassies abroad and vessels at sea. The flag is raised by citizens when they achieve an outstanding feat, as an expression of national pride, like climbers on mountain peaks and astronauts on the moon.

It is, therefore, painful to see the national flag fluttering in a school compound or over buildings in tatters or its colours faded to a very different hue. True, the harsh climate — very strong winds and the blazing sun — is to share the blame, but isn’t it also a reflection of our casual attitude towards the national flag? And why almost four decades after independence is there no code for the making and display of the country’s national flag?

It is not uncommon for penal codes to prescribe penalties for insulting the flag. Article 138 of Qatar’s penal code stipulates imprisonment of up to three years, fine of up to QR15,000, or both for publicly insulting the national flag or that of a friendly country by either damaging it, removing it or doing any act that reflects hatred and contempt.

Due to its importance, countries prescribe the flag’s dimensions in their constitution.

Article 3 of Qatar’s constitution says that a law will codify the physical dimensions of the national flag and the code for its display. There was a similar provision even in the constitution of 1970. But this law is yet to be issued. It’s time we did it.