T.N. ALAGESH
KUANTAN: A stroke four years ago left former food stall operator Wan Rahimi Wan Mokhtar, 63, needing a walking aid and wheelchair, but that has not stopped his love for showing his patriotism.
After making great progress in his recovery, he is now back on his feet decorating his home with hundreds of Jalur Gemilang ahead of National Day tomorrow.
For more than two decades, it was a tradition for Wan Rahimi to spend thousands of ringgit decorating his restaurant in Peramu, Tanjung Lumpur, with national flags. But the father of two gave up the business after his stroke in late 2021.
This year, Wan Rahimi, fondly known as “Mie Merdeka”, brought his patriotic spirit home to Kampung Kempadang, where he has put up Jalur Gemilang of various sizes and painted a huge flag mural on a wall.
Wan Rahimi’s food stall was once selected to represent Pahang in national-level National Day contests.
He said flying the Jalur Gemilang was like therapy.
“Everyone in town knew I always decorate my shop for Merdeka. When I suffered a stroke in 2021, some of them thought I would stop. But I looked forward to August to continue the tradition.
“Although I move slower due to the stroke, putting up flags to celebrate National Day has become part of my life. I began decorating my house this week and bought new flags to replace the old ones,” he said recently.
Wan Rahimi said he might be among the few people in Kuantan still flying the national flag with such enthusiasm.
“This is my way of showing love for the country. Sadly, not many share the same sentiment.
“Worse, a few people criticise me, even calling me insane and saying I am wasting money.
“I may have spent more than RM10,000 over the years decorating my stall, car and house with the Jalur Gemilang, but I have no regrets. I hope my efforts will inspire patriotism among the younger generation.”
Wan Rahimi’s antique 1970 Mini Cooper was selected to lead the state-level National Day parade in Jalan Mahkota here tomorrow.
“I have sent the car for servicing and will decorate it with Jalur Gemilang and stickers of all our prime ministers.
“My car has been part of the parade since 2003. This year, 10 vintage cars will be part of it.”
As he put up flags at his home, Wan Rahimi wore a Jalur Gemilang-themed outfit, drawing honks and waves from passing motorists.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
