GUA MUSANG: The Orang Asli community near here started replacing party flags with the Jalur Gemilang as soon as the state polls concluded.
Mohd Nizam Zainal, 27, from the Temiar tribe in Pos Tohoi, said although the settlement is located more than 80km from Gua Musang, the residents are keen to collectively liven up the facade of their bamboo houses in the spirit of National Day.
"Even if it is on a small scale, we are still eager to fly the Jalur Gemilang to commemorate the sacrifices of past warriors.
"They fought and died for the country and I am grateful for living in a peaceful Malaysia,” he told reporters at Pos Tohoi recently.
As for Kampung Pasir Linggi resident, Yah Karim, 45, hoisting the flags at her bamboo house every year is a matter of educating her grandchildren to appreciate the true meaning of independence.
"Every year when my grandchildren see me hoisting the flag, they know that National Day is coming soon and they will ask me to tell them stories about the times before Merdeka,” she said.
Meanwhile, Pos Tohoi Orang Asli Village Security and Development Committee chairman Ajeh Baharom said he is proud of the appreciation and enthusiasm shown by the settlement’s residents.
"They realise that it is not easy for Orang Asli to enjoy the current peace without the sacrifices of past leaders.
"I hope more Orang Asli will show their patriotism by putting up the Jalur Gemilang leading up to Aug 31,” he said.
A survey of the Pos Pulat Orang Asli settlement also showed the Jalur Gemilang proudly displayed outside all the houses.- Bernama
