IPOH - Replicas of a helicopter, tank, and boat, as well as the Jalur Gemilang adorning the home of a former Air Force personnel in Taman Klebang Prima here, are an expression of his spirit of patriotism and pride of being a Malaysian.
Abdul Hadi Zainal Abidin, 57, told Bernama that the decorations were his unique way of expressing his love for the country, which has achieved 67 years of independence.
"Some say come August I become crazy, insane, but I don't care about such comments. What matters to me is instilling the spirit of patriotism in celebration of our country's independence.
"As an ex-military man, I felt compelled to express my pride in my own way. If we don't do it, who will?" he said, adding that he has spent RM2,000 decorating his home since early this month with the help of his friend, Tazar Alang Ibrahim, 64, who shares his passion.
Sharing the same interest for the past 10 years is Abdul Hamid Hussin, 73, who resides in Titi Teras, Balik Pulau.
The Jalur Gemilang-themed decoration at the two-story home of the former soldier draws villagers and the public to visit the house and take photos as a memento.
Speaking to Bernama at his residence, Abdul Hamid said decorating his home with Jalur Gemilang has become his yearly routine come August, adding that this year, he would put up 200 flags from today until Sept 15 in conjunction with the 67th National Day and Malaysia Day.
Abdul Hamid, who served in the military for 15 years from the age of 19 before working as a security guard at a university in Penang, said that he would feel 'incomplete and unsettled' without the Independence Day-themed decorations at his home.
"Jalur Gemilang is not just a piece of fabric that we wave around without meaning. It is the most important symbol for our country," he added.
The Communications Ministry promotes the '1 Rumah 1 Jalur Gemilang' aspiration, encouraging the public to fly the Jalur Gemilang to celebrate this year's National Month.
'Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka' has been selected as this year's National Day and Malaysia Day theme. - BERNAMA