KUALA LUMPUR – As the nation commemorates its 66th year of independence from colonial rule, it is evident that the people’s enthusiasm for decorating their homes or places of business with the Jalur Gemilang has diminished over time.
During a recent visit to the Kg Baru area in the city center, the Scoop team observed that only a few houses and shop lots proudly displayed the national flag, while the majority of residents or business owners appeared to have chosen not to do so.
However, it would be unfair to claim that the locality lacked patriotism, as several structures were indeed adorned with flags, albeit in a more understated manner when compared to the vibrant displays of previous years.
Commenting on the seemingly sombre atmosphere amidst upcoming Merdeka celebrations, one of the residents with flags outside his home told Scoop that the lack of fanfare is “nothing new” as the past years have seen a lack of motivation to decorate the area.
“Maybe it’s because those staying here are from the elderly community and are unable to put up the flags themselves,” said the 80-year-old resident, who wished to be known as Mohd Hamdan.
Lamenting how he used to see much more festive National Day decorations in his younger days, the third-generation Kg Baru resident said that regardless diminished enthusiasm in the area, he had insisted on erecting two flags outside his home.
“As far as I’m concerned, I will put up the Jalur Gemilang outside my house every year for Merdeka,” he said, adding that he had done so as he believes it is how he shows his love for the country.
Meanwhile, pisang goreng (banana fritter) seller Muhammad Fauzan said that this year’s Merdeka festivities are a stark contrast to the lively scenes witnessed in the area in previous years, a conundrum that perplexes him.
“It used to be much more meriah (lively) here during the Merdeka month. I’m not sure why a lot of people have stopped putting up flags,” the 27-year-old said when met at his stall at Jalan Raja Muda Musa.
The roadside stall also boasted several Jalur Gemilang flags as part of Fauzan’s commitment to playing his part as a patriotic citizen wishing to liven up Merdeka celebrations.
Another resident, who requested to be known only as Amir, the decline in high spirits for Merdeka merrymaking can be traced back to the Covid-19 pandemic era.
“I don’t think I’ve seen Merdeka celebrations as lively as those held before the Covid-19 pandemic hit us,” said Amir, who works as a storekeeper at a grocery store his family has owned for the past 23 years.
Positing that the dull state of affairs could potentially be attributed to how the younger generation has started moving out of the area, Amir said that the flags outside his shop were put up by his father.
“He insisted on putting them up and said that he will still do so even if others don’t do it anymore. I think it’s quite typical of those who are part of his generation,” he said in jest.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had called on Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang in conjunction with the national month to demonstrate their loyalty and love for the country, as well as to embrace the spirit of independence.
Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan is the chosen theme for this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
The National Day celebration will be held today at Dataran Putrajaya while the Malaysia Day celebration on September 16 is slated to be held in Kuching, Sarawak. – August 31, 2023