For this retired Jelebu couple, Merdeka begins at home

Nearly three decades ago, Abdul Karim Abdul Rahman and his wife Aini Mad Zin returned to their century-old ancestral home in Kampung Kemin, Jelebu. With nearly 30 Jalur Gemilang fluttering across the grounds, the couple continues a tradition they have kept for the past 25 years. For 83-year-old Abdul Karim and 75-year-old Aini, the act of decorating their home with the national flag holds deep significance, reminding them of the struggles and sacrifices made by past generations.

The nearly 0.4-ha compound, which the family has carefully preserved over the years, has become a place where their four children and five grandchildren return to spend time together during National Month. Retirement has brought the couple a slower pace of life, and they now spend their days gardening and tending to their durian orchard.

Seeing the flags spread across the compound during National Month fills Abdul Karim with satisfaction, making the home feel extra festive. He hopes that his children will continue the tradition, instilling a love for the country in the next generation. Their daughter Norfaizah Abdul Karim, 45, notes that moving back to the village after retirement transformed the ancestral home into a new family gathering place.

The couple's tradition has endured because it is woven into the rhythm of home life, becoming part of the family story after 25 years.