The six species of patriots during Merdeka and Malaysia Day

1. Sang Parade
The ingenious and impressively dedicated Sang Parade is usually found at Merdeka street parades and wherever free fireworks are guaranteed. This super gung-ho person has his itinerary all planned out. First, he camps overnight at the parade site to secure the best spot. The next day, his entire clan migrates to join him for some vantage street parade watching. A more aggressive variety sports eye-catching headgear and face paint for the television cameras.

2. Datuk Bendera
Contrary to laws of the jungle, the flamboyant Datuk Bendera doesn’t believe in camouflage. Common behavioural signs for this species include carefully grooming their bright coat of little Malaysia flags (useful for territorial displays) on their cars and humming the national anthem.

3. Mak Critic
If you need a good dose of feel-good ads to remind you of your love for the country, go for the Mak Critic. This critter looks forward to August and September so it can obsessively analyse the Merdeka ads on TV, pointing you towards (or tell you about) the most tear-inducing ad of the lot. To capture them, remember that the Mak Critic has a soft spot for roti men, grandmothers, a multi-racial cast and teh tarik.

4. Kampung Boy
Named after the iconic Malaysian comic character created by cartoonist Lat, the Kampung Boy is a species that deserts the city for greener paddy fields back in his (or her) hometown whenever Merdeka rolls around. All the touching ads we see are probably inspired by them.

5. Pak Promoter
Come Merdeka, open any mainstream newspaper and you’ll find the CSR-motivated Pak Promoter, a supremely rare species (possibly the last of its kind) that generously spends big money to buy full page advertisements promoting messages of national peace, love, acceptance and unity (as well as their consultancy company).

6. Mat Cincai
Behaviourists believe that the Mat Cincai has probably gotten the wrong memo. This species celebrates the public holiday the quintessentially Malaysian way – a 16-course homecooked feast for an impressive makan session (complete with satays and tikars) or a day out at the mall. Apt and patriotic, if you ask us.