BATU KAWAN: Despite the sarcastic remarks by some quarters, Sahul Hamid Abdullah’s passion for decorating his motorcycle with mini flags of Jalur Gemilang for the National Day celebration has not dampened.“Some people think I’m crazy when they see the Malaysian flag decorated all over my motorcycle. But I don’t care.

       “If only they know the true meaning of independence, then they will understand,” said Sahul Hamid, 53, who has been doing it for the past six years.

       Sahul Hamid, who is a healthcare assistant at Sungai Bakap Hospital, said his passion for decorating his motorcycle with the Jalur Gemilang for the National Day celebration attracted some people who also did the same with their motorcycles.

       “Even the children want to fly the Jalur Gemilang on their bicycles, and this year, for the first time, I’m helping the children in my neighbourhood to decorate their bicycles with the national flag.

       “This is what we want because through this small campaign we can instil the spirit of patriotism and love for the country among the young generation,” he said.

       Sahul Hamid, who is not married and the fourth child of 12 siblings, said he had used between 300 to 450 pieces of the Jalur Gemilang to decorate his motorcycle and that he had obtained permission from the authority to ride the motorcycle on gazetted roads.

       Sahul Hamid, who has been with the Health Ministry for 20 years, said he felt appreciated when he received invitations to participate in the National Day parade organised by schools, departments and agencies in the state.

       “Every year on Merdeka eve, I will ride my Jalur Gemilang-decorated motorcycle around the island to liven up the celebration,” he said and expressed hope that more young people would emulate him in expressing their love for the country. — Bernama