Fighting fear with even greater love for country

The Star

a day ago

Handle with care: Juraidah, an Orang Asli woman, preparing to put up a large Jalur Gemilang at her stall in Tanjung Harapan, Port Klang. — KK SHAM/The Star
PORT KLANG: Wanting to create a festive environment to welcome the country's upcoming 68th National Day, a fishing village here has decorated its common area with the Jalur Gemilang and Selangor flags.
Bagan Hailam headman Loo Cheng Boon, 57, said in previous years, the entire village used to be covered in flags, but this year, many had wanted the common gathering area to be decorated instead.
'Many residents fear being persecuted if something goes wrong, like the two recent incidents where flags were accidentally affixed upside down.
'Most of our elderly villagers, who own the homes here, have limited education and exposure, so they are easily intimidated by what they read in the media.'
Recently, two incidents of the Jalur Gemilang being displayed upside down had courted controversy, with Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh initiating a gathering over the matter.
The Malaysian flag was first accidentally flown upside down in a primary school in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, followed by another incident at a hardware shop in Kepala Batas, Penang.
Meanwhile, Loo said with the common gathering area decorated with flags, residents could go there to usher in the National Day on Aug 31.
The flags are also checked and monitored daily to ensure they are in the right order and condition.
Another Bagan Hailam resident, who declined to be named, said he has put up a 'Merdeka' corner near his front door instead of putting up regular-­sized flags like last year and in previous years.
The decorated area consists of three small flags on a table with small potted plants.
'I used to fly the bigger flags but because we are by the sea; it is very windy here.
'I worry the winds may turn my flag around or cause some problems, and if someone sees it and puts it up on social media, it will mean trouble for me,' said the 65-year-old.
Bagan Hailam receives many local tourists daily.
Sia Swee Chu, one of the Hainanese fishing village's almost 400 residents, said it is important for all Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang without any fear.
'We were all born here and will die here. This is our country.
'We have to show our appreciation for our nation during events like this,' she said.
Sia said she feels a sense of warmth and belonging when people come together to bask in the National Day celebrations.
The 57-year-old urged everyone not to fear negative perceptions and do what is necessary as loyal Malaysians.
'No need to be frightened of anyone. Just fly the Malaysian flag. It belongs to all of us,'' she said.