Man with a history of flying the flag
It’s a yearly tradition for researcher to decorate his home with hundreds of Jalur Gemilang
JOHOR BARU: It is hard not to crane your neck for a second and third look when you pass by historical research officer Kamdi Kamil’s home during the Merdeka month because of the hundreds of Jalur Gemilang fluttering there.
The 68-year-old said that it had been a yearly tradition to decorate his home in Kampung Melayu Majidee with national and state flags since he moved there in 1982.
Kamdi said he wanted to lead by example and instil the spirit of patriotism in the community.
Kamdi, a former history teacher, said that flying the flag served as a reminder to the people to reflect on the country’s history and be proud to be Malaysian.
“Gone are the good old days when every house would raise the Jalur Gemilang in August and compete to win the title of ‘best decorated home’ in a show of patriotism.
“It is time to bring that back, especially since it is our 60th year of independence this year,” he told The Star.
Kamdi said he spent some RM2,000 this year to buy new national and state flags, as well as other items, to decorate his balcony and the compound of his home.
He has also set up a reading corner, which features his collection of books, for anyone who wishes to drop by and learn about Malaysia’s rich history and its journey to independence.
“Everybody is welcome to come and learn more,” he said, adding that he is filled with pride when passers-by shout “Merdeka! Merdeka!” as they drive or walk by his home.
Kamdi commended Star Media Group’s Raise The Flag campaign, which includes a special four-page spread that enables Malaysians to cut out and assemble their own Jalur Gemilang.
“It is a great way to ensure that everyone, especially the younger generation, has the flag,” he said, adding that it was the greatest symbol of a nation.
Aset Kayamas is the main sponsor while Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd is co-sponsor for the campaign, which runs until Malaysia Day.
Besides the flag, there are also T-shirt templates in the newspaper’s centrespread.
Decorate the templates with a Malaysian motif and be photographed “wearing” it while holding the flag.
Best poses should be hashtagged #RaiseTheFlagMY on social media. On Facebook, you can share it as: raisetheflagmy.
Refer to the exciting list of prizes that include staycations and dining vouchers in today’s centrespread.
To bulk order the remaining Raise The Flag issue on Sept 14, contact The Star’s Customer Care unit at 1-300-887827 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Gone are the good old days when every house would raise the Jalur Gemilang in August and compete to win the title of ‘best decorated home’ in a show of patriotism.
Kamdi Kamil