Pride on display: Chng hanging multiple Jalur Gemilang near his stall in George Town, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Vendors and residents highlight their patriotic values with Jalur Gemilang
GEORGE TOWN: The Jalur Gemilang flies proudly across markets, neighbourhoods and homes as Malaysians gear up for their 68th National Day.
At the bustling Lebuh Cecil Market, drinks seller Chng Beng Chye has built tall illuminated poles around his stall, adorned with over a dozen mini Jalur Gemilang flags.
“Each year, I decorate my stall with flags and light the poles in red and blue LED strips to match the flag colours when National Day approaches.
“It lifts the patriotic spirit among locals and shows tourists how we honour our country,” said the 70-year-old when met at the stall yesterday.
While acknowledging recent controversies over flags being wrongly displayed, Chng urged Malaysians to look past them.
“I believe no one born and raised in this country would purposely disrespect the flag.
“If we all come together for the love of the country, we can move forward to greater heights,” said Chng, who has been trading there since the 1990s.
Just a few stalls away, Lim Siew Eng, 90, has her pastry stall crowned with a neat row of Jalur Gemilang flags that flutter in the breeze all year round.
The national flag, she said, holds deep meaning because she lived through the hard times before independence and has seen how far the country has come.
“By decorating my stall, visitors know they are in Malaysia and we are proud Malaysians.
“I was born here, even without much education, I can speak Bahasa Malaysia because it is my national language.
“We should celebrate National Day as one nation,” she said.
The patriotic fervour is also spreading through residential areas, with Pangsapuri Pelangi’s Kawasan Rukun Tetangga putting up about 60 flags around the neighbourhood.
The place is home to some 5,000 residents.
Its chairman, K. Muniandy, 59, said as a multiracial community, no one is left out when it comes to celebrating National Day.
“Surrounded by the Jalur Gemilang, we are reminded of our independence and the harmony we enjoy today,” he said.
At Sri Saujana Flats, joint management committee chairman Yeoh Kean Huat, 54, said six flags now greet residents.
“Last year, we had over 100 flags strung down the blocks.
“Although fewer this year, the spirit remains, and we urge residents to respect the flag and play their role in upholding it,” he said.
Malaysia will celebrate its 68th National Day with the main parade in Putrajaya on Aug 31, followed by Malaysia Day celebration at PICCA@Arena Butterworth in Penang on Sept 16.
