KANGAR - Every year leading up to National Month, a retiree expresses his patriotism in vibrant decorations of the Jalur Gemilang, attracting crowds, especially children, and encouraging others to join in the National Day celebrations.
This year, Abdul Aziz Shaari, 61, from Kampung Santan, presents a lively display of Jalur Gemilang and a mini garden-like landscape at his home.
He said that for the past eight years, he has consistently adorned his home's exterior with creative Jalur Gemilang decorations for National Month and Malaysia Day, adding that he started to put up the decorations in July.
"After the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) launched National Month this year, I began installing Jalur Gemilang and decorations, including a small 'archway' with the words 'Negaraku' made from disposable plastic plates," he told Bernama.
Outside his home, a captivating display of the Jalur Gemilang greets visitors with three small gazebos, two adorned with images depicting the nation's independence, creating a mini garden ambience.
Aziz, a former employee of the Perlis Information Department, said that the decorations on his home's exterior have been progressively done since he moved to the village eight years ago.
"This year's National Month decorations include an 'archway' made from recycled materials. I can't provide an estimate because I used many recycled materials. Most of the money was spent on buying the Jalur Gemilang," he said.
Aziz noted that he feels delighted when his home is frequently visited by villagers, including young people who stop by to view the decorations, which not only encourages them to display the Jalur Gemilang at their homes but also provides schoolchildren with insights into the nation's independence through the historical images he showcases.
Aziz said that his wife, Ku Habsah Ku Abd Rahman, 56, has been a great help and provided ideas and suggestions to enhance the displays.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Daim Darwisy Mohd Faizal, 12, and Putra Ammar Faris Abdul Hakim, 10, who frequently visit Abdul Aziz's home, expressed their excitement at seeing the numerous Jalur Gemilang flags and attractive decorations.
They said this display of patriotism inspires and encourages them to develop a sense of patriotism similar to Abdul Aziz's.
"I learn and get reminded of the historical aspects of our nation's independence through the old photographs, including images of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, our Father of Independence," said Muhammad Daim Darwisy.
"I also want to be patriotic and put up the Jalur Gemilang myself. Seeing all these flags here has inspired me to decorate my bicycle with the Jalur Gemilang," said Putra Ammar Faris. - BERNAMA