A shopping mall located in Putrajaya recently conducted three “social experiments” to gauge the level of patriotism among Malaysians. Split into two parts on TikTok, IOI City Mall posted the first part of the social experiment involving random shoppers in an elevator. The shoppers were tested by reciting the Rukun Negara and singing the national anthem at random times.
In the “Tell us you’re Malaysian, without telling us you’re Malaysian” series, the first video showed shoppers standing in the center of the elevator while individuals in each corner tested them on the last principle of the Rukun Negara. The shoppers were then handed a flag after successfully participating in the experiment. The randomness of the test initially took the shoppers aback, but most managed to recite the last principle of the Rukun Negara.
The experiment continued with the shoppers being asked to sing the national anthem, with each person in the elevator singing a verse and the shopper tasked with singing the last verse. While some shoppers sang nervously, others showed enthusiasm. Most shoppers managed to complete the national anthem, showcasing their patriotism.
The second part of the experiment involved playing the national anthem throughout the entire mall to observe how Malaysian shoppers would react. The aim was to see if shoppers would stop what they were doing and stand still for the national anthem. Initially confused, the shoppers eventually understood the message and stood up out of respect for the anthem.
The video showed families with small children, including babies, as well as individuals in the ice rink, all standing to attention during the national anthem. Some were even seen singing along, demonstrating their patriotism and respect for the anthem. Netizens expressed pride and were moved by the display of patriotism, especially with National Day approaching.
The social experiment conducted by IOI City Mall highlighted the patriotic spirit still alive and well among Malaysians. The willingness of shoppers to participate in reciting the Rukun Negara and singing the national anthem, as well as their respectful reaction to the anthem being played in the mall, showcased the strong sense of national pride among Malaysians. As the nation gears up to celebrate National Day, these social experiments serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and patriotism in Malaysia.