Jumaro Bendera’s love affair with Jalur Gemilang
Born on Aug 31, 1957, Jumaro does what comes naturally — fly the flag
MOHD Jumaro Marzuki, 60, beamed with pride as he displayed his collection of Jalur Gemilang at his house in Felda Raja Alias 4, here.
“I can’t contribute much to the country like other people, but this is how I express my affection to my country — by flying the Jalur Gemilang at my house. It may seem like a small thing to other people, but it is definitely meaningful to me,” said the man who was born on the day the country gained its independence — Aug 31, 1957.
“It has been a tradition for me to put up the Jalur Gemilang, not only during the Merdeka celebration, but all the time, throughout the year. I am proud of the country I was born in,” he said.
Jumaro said ever since he moved to the settlement 30 years ago, he had never failed to decorate his house with the Jalur Gemilang, which had led to his nickname “Jumaro Bendera” among residents at the settlement.
“It’s not hard to find my house. Just mention my nickname or ask the villagers about ‘rumah bendera’ (flag house) and you will be directed to my house in an instant,” he said.
True enough, flags of Malaysia were not only hung outside his house, but the Jalur Gemilang was also used to decorate Jumaro’s house, from curtains to sofa covers, all were decorated with the flag.
Jumaro said his wife, Azizah Yakimin, 61, children and 16 grandchildren were all supportive of his interest in collecting the Jalur Gemilang.
“I have spent so much in buying Jalur Gemilang to decorate my house. This year alone, I had allocated about RM2,000 to buy the flags,” said the winner of the state-level “Keceriaan Negaraku” competition in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.
This year, Jumaro will be representing the state in the national-level competition organised by the Information Department.
“Participating in the competition will be a proud moment for me. It will be a bonus if I win, but the most important thing is to share with the rest of Malaysians out there that we must be proud of our country.
“Every day without fail, it’s a routine for me to look and touch my flags. If I don’t do it, my day will not be complete.
“I hope my small effort will encourage other Malaysians to put up our Jalur Gemilang, to show the love we have for our beloved country.”
Page 1 pic: Mohd Jumaro Marzuki with the Jalur Gemilang that adorns his house in Felda Raja Alias 4 in Jempol.