PUTRAJAYA: As you drive along rows of fluttering Jalur Gemilang on the Seri Gemilang Bridge in Putrajaya, two men dressed in Baju Melayu – complete with samping (a sarong) and tanjak (traditional headgear) like “pendekar” (great warriors) of old – will definitely catch your eye.

       Friendly tidings such as “You’re the best, bro” are heard as drivers offered salutations while others gave a thumbs-up.

       Many honked to signal approval at the two – Mohd Khairul Kamaruzaman, who is a silat (martial arts) teacher from Pertubuhan Seni Gayung Fatani Malaysia, and his student Izwan Khuzzairie Azhar Ahmad.

       For Mohd Khairul, 36, and Izwan Khuzzairie, 23, dressing in traditional attire, similar to the costume worn by great Malay warriors in the past, is their way of expressing their love for the country that celebrates its 64th National Day today.

       Mohd Khairul said that wearing the attire in public somehow stirred the patriotic spirit in him.

       It was also his intention to remind the public about how Malay warriors were attired when fighting against colonial rule.

       “We need to show the identity of our warriors of the past. Nowadays, many do not really understand. By right, we should all get rid of our shame and embarrassment. What is wrong with us dressing in our traditional wear to commemorate the National Day?” he said.

       Apart from the Seri Gemilang Bridge, Mohd Khairul and Izwan Khuzzairie can also be seen at Putrajaya Lake and in playground areas at Precinct 18.

       “Many said ‘hi’ and the majority of people supported what my student and I are doing; some honked and others greeted,” said Mohd Khairul.

       The father of three from Kelantan said that Malaysians should always remember the sacrifices of previous freedom fighters, without whom there would not be peace.

       “Even though the country was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, we can still celebrate the National Day in various ways, and what is important is to comply with the SOP including wearing a face mask,” he said.

       Meanwhile, Izwan Khuzzairie said young people should use social media such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to enliven the 64th National Day celebrations.

       “Upload a picture with the Jalur Gemilang and put a certain hashtag that lets outsiders know that we are celebrating the country’s national month.

       “We should be proud that the country has become independent, and the different races live in peace and harmony,” said the third-year student of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia. — Bernama