KUALA LUMPUR: A proud owner of a 28-year-old Proton Tiara car adorned with Malaysia flags, Azmi Mansor says he feels a sense of pride and admiration for the Jalur Gemilang.
The 68-year-old from Taman Medan said decorating his beloved car with the flags is a symbol of his patriotic spirit.
For the past six years, Azmi has been decorating his Proton Tiara with flags, including those of Selangor and Terengganu, using a very small capital of between RM1.20 to RM 2.80 for each of the flags he put on his car.
Azmi said he first purchased the classic Proton model, that is no longer in production, in Kuantan, Pahang about 28 years ago and since has been using the very same car to commute between Klang and KL.
Affectionately calling it a 'legend', he said it was his all time favourite.
"Six years ago, when there was a program to dispose of old cars, I was determined not to let my Proton Tiara be scrapped, even though it was over 20 years old and frequently required costly repairs.
" "I love this car and I repaired it and changed the spare parts for better ones (including new paint) even though it cost a lot of money. I decorated it with the Jalur Gemilang so that the love and affection for the country continues to be fueled," he said when contacted by Harian Metro.
Speaking about the decoration on the car, he said he primarily uses small flags costing between RM1.20 and RM2.80, and has two larger flags as part of the decorations.
"I use a lot of flags, and I never take them down even after the Merdeka month has passed. I make sure to check and replace any worn or damaged flags regularly," he said.
Azmi said installing the flags might seem simple, but at times it takes about eight to nine hours to finish.
"I take pride in driving an old Malaysian model car adorned with the Jalur Gemilang. Normally I drive from Klang, Selangor to Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, four times a week, from 4.30pm until early morning, depending on my schedule for the week.
"Fuel costs about RM80, lighting costs RM70, and meals range from RM50 to RM60. I take my time and usually stop every hour to not overheat the engine temperature.
"Sometimes, people honk and wave at me on the road, and even foreign tourists ask to take photos with the car and it makes me feel good," he shared.
"Alhamdulillah my wife and children didn't forbid me, they gave me support, just a message to take care of myself, safety and health because I have heart disease," said the father of six children and grandfather of three grandchildren.
Azmi hoped that Malaysians, especially the younger generation, will continue to express their love for the country by flying the Jalur Gemilang not only during Merdeka month but throughout the year.
"Even putting up just one small flag is meaningful. Regardless of our background, we should all be proud to display our national flag. For me, the feeling of patriotism is even stronger in August, as it is the month of Merdeka," he added.
Yesterday, NST featured him and his car, which was parked by the highway in the NST Viral section after a short clip of the two had gone viral on social media.