Kuala lumpur: For the past 25 years, Abdul Karim Abdul Rahman has maintained a cherished tradition of decorating the grounds of his century-old ancestral home with the Jalur Gemilang as National Day approaches, reflecting his enduring patriotic spirit.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this year, Abdul Karim, 83, and his wife, Aini Mad Zin, 75, adorned the nearly 0.4-hectare compound of their home in Kampung Kemin with almost 30 Jalur Gemilang flags. For the retired couple, the house is more than just a home. It holds special significance for Aini, who grew up there with her five siblings, prompting them to preserve the property and its original character.

Despite their advancing age, the couple continues the annual tradition, which began when they returned to their hometown 25 years ago after living in Kuala Lumpur for nearly three decades. Abdul Karim shared that each Jalur Gemilang displayed holds its own significance, reminding them of the struggles and sacrifices made by past generations to liberate the country from colonial rule. Decorating the grounds with the flag has become an annual must-do for him and his wife.

Abdul Karim mentioned that after moving back to the village following their retirement, they carried out several renovations to make the house more comfortable for their four children and five grandchildren, while preserving its original structure. He appreciates the peaceful life in the village, allowing them to spend time gardening and tending to their durian orchard.

For Abdul Karim, the sight of the Jalur Gemilang fluttering around his home not only brightens the surroundings but also symbolizes his love for the country and gives him a deep sense of satisfaction. He emphasized the importance of nurturing the spirit of patriotism within families and passing it on to younger generations, especially during National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, Norfaizah Abdul Karim, 45, noted that her parents chose to return to the village after retirement to enjoy a quieter life away from Kuala Lumpur while turning the ancestral home into a gathering place for the family. She observed that her parents enjoyed decorating the compound with the Jalur Gemilang, as it brightened the home and allowed them to spend their time on meaningful and creative activities.