National Day spirit flying high on traditional house in Melaka

Kon (left) says sponsoring the painting of the flag was part of his mission to spread patriotism and unity.

MELAKA: In the spirit of National Day, a local councillor has funded the painting of the Jalur Gemilang on the roof of a traditional house in Kampung Morten here.

Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) councillor Kon Qi Yao said he paid for the painting to inspire patriotism.

"My mission is to spread patriotism and unity among the people and I am proud to play a role in this decoration," he said on Wednesday (Aug 31).

Kon said the Jalur Gemilang had been adorning the house of former sailor Mohamed Aboobaker Yaakob's for the past 15 years and he maintained its lustre by painting a new coat every year.

Mohamed Aboobaker, 63, said the house is his ancestral home.

The father of four said his third son, Zaeed Aboobaker, 31, was the one who painted the roof this year.

"I want my children to continue the tradition," he added.

The painting also is a tourist attraction in the village.