Single Mother, Retiree Chip In To Spread National Day Message In Perak

By Muhamad Azhar Tajuddin and Fadzlina Abu Bakar Sidek

IPOH, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- For the past few years, when August comes around, hundreds of Jalur Gemilang interspersed with Perak flags will seen flying majestically at a Taman Harmoni flat unit here.

The house belongs to single mother G. Rajspari, 62, who has been spending a considerable sum to purchase the flags.

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Rajspari or more affectionately called Ratha also decorated and viritually covered her two-room house with Jalur Gemilang and the flags will remaining flying proudly until the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16.

"The idea to put up the flags came up when the country was facing the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, movement was limited and everyone had to sit at home. So, I decorated the house with flags to get rid of boredom and fill my free time.

"I became more enthusiastic after my neighbours encouraged me to continue this practice because it reminded them of the National Day celebrations," she said when met by Bernama recently.

To bring the patriotic spirit message around, Ratha, who is disabled due to an accident 20 years ago, will also drape her Perodua Kembara with the Jalur Gemilang to drive the message around Ipoh with pride.

The mother of three will also display her Jalur Gemilang-adorned vehicle all over the town either alone or accompanied by her daughter S. Theinmoly, 39, in the morning or evening, and will stop at several focal locations.

"I will distribute flags to the public (at the stop). I don't feel like I'm losing or wasting time with what I'm doing because at least people know about the Merdeka celebration and Malaysia Day.

"The most fun and emotional thing for me is when I see people smiling or waving, some even salute when they see the Jalur Gemilang waving on my car," she said.

Theinmoly, who faithfully accompanies her mother, admits that she is proud of her mother who did not complain of being tired, and is always enthusiastic every time the National Month approaches.

"My mother told me that everything she does is for the country and she wants to see all Malaysians regardless of race or religion united under one flag," she said.

Not missing out on flying the Jalur Gemilang is retired firefighter Rozadin Ibrahim, who also built replicas of the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) and Kuala Lumpur Tower from plastic bottles in his home compound in Kampung Bahagia, Sungai Siput near here.

Rozadin, 67, who was assisted by his wife Fauziah Ahmad, 63, in the activity, also painted egg trays with red and white colours to display the words 'Merdeka 67' as a symbol of this year's 67th National Day celebration.

"We spent around RM500 to buy the Jalur Gemilang and the state flags. I also hung posters of all the Prime Ministers. Everything was bought online because it was easier," he said, who took a week to hang and build the replica.

Meanwhile, Fauziah said her seven children and grandchildren felt happy when they returned home recently when they saw the atmosphere around the colourful residence decorated with flags and replicas.

-- BERNAMA