GEORGE TOWN: Some of the residents of Mutiara Heights Apartments in Jelutong here do not just put up the Jalur Gemilang during Merdeka month, they also hand out flags to fellow Malaysians to spread the spirit of patriotism.
Mutiara Heights Residents Association chairman Mohd Arshad Abdul Rahman said as many as 1,000 Jalur Gemilang of various sizes were distributed to passers-by during a flag installation activity.
He said the activity was also aimed at strengthening unity and harmony among the residents, regardless of race, religion or age.
"About 30 residents volunteered to instal the flags in stages seeing that they all have jobs. But what all of them had in common was a strong spirit of patriotism.
"In all the excitement of the state elections, we must always remember the true meaning of the struggle of those before us, our predecessors. It is our responsibility to fly the Jalur Gemilang during the Merdeka month," he said when met here today.
The obvious head-turner are two giant Jalur Gemilang, measuring 30m-long each, which have been put up on the apartments' multi-storey carpark.
Resident Abdul Rahim Bukhari, 60, said preparations for the flag installation started last month.
"We began preparing about a month ago and once we started putting up the flags, the youths came forward to help us to put up more flags," he said.
Another resident, Jabar Abdullah, 60, said he was very happy to see people from all walks of life working together to put up the flags.
"If we were not united, all this would not be possible.
"Despite all the various party flags, it is the Jalur Gemilang that stands out, commands attention and looks the absolute best," he added.
