28/08/2025

THURSDAY | AUG 28, 2025

6

Combining tradition and creativity

KOTA BHARU: While Malaysians across the nation celebrate National Month in their own ways, a young artist from Kampung Pulau Panjang here has chosen a uniquely creative path, stitching together the Jalur Gemilang from pieces of kain pelikat. For Muhammad Darwisy Mustafani, 24, the work is more than art. It is his heartfelt tribute to the nation, blending cultural heritage with the Merdeka spirit. “I chose kain pelikat because it is close to our community, especially Malays. It symbolises our culture. Through it, I wanted to express my love for the country in my own creative way.” o Young artist crafts Jalur Gemilang from pieces of kain pelikat for National Month

Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, embellished with Swarovski crystals. He shares his journey through TikTok under the account name wisyilukis, attracting followers inspired by his unique blend of tradition and creativity. Darwisy expressed hope that his Jalur Gemilang project would inspire young Malaysians to cherish independence and express patriotism in their own creative ways. “Every generation should find their own way to celebrate our freedom. For me, it is through art. I hope this flag would remind others that our culture and independence are treasures worth protecting,” he said. Soon, Darwisy’s brush will turn to royalty as he crafts songket portraits for the Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah and the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, a proud recognition of his growing legacy in Malaysian art.

More than 30 participants, ranging from children to senior citizens, pedalled joyfully on nostalgic vintage bicycles and modern ones, filling the neighbourhood with cheers, laughter, ringing bells and chants of “Bangkit Rakyat! Merdeka!”. The community event was spearheaded by Azhan Taib, 67, who has never failed in the past 17 years to fly the Jalur Gemilang at every corner of Taman Sri Stulang as a symbol of his unwavering love for Malaysia. “These antique bicycles carry history. Some are inherited from our fathers, some have been repaired countless times. We want the younger generation to know this heritage, and at the same time ignite the Merdeka spirit,” said Azhan, who despite battling high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes, remains spirited in organising the programme. More than just leisure, the cycling event connected residents with outsiders while evoking nostalgia through the sight of the classic bicycles that were once an essential After a brief stint working as an artist at a private company in Kuala Lumpur, he returned to his hometown last year to pursue art full time, Bernama reported. He has since carved out a niche with his distinctive paintings on songket , a medium rarely explored in Malaysia. His works include portraits of His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah, which were exhibited at Istana Negara in October last year. He has completed more than 50 songket paintings, with prices ranging between RM700 and RM15,000 depending on the complexity and fabric type, from handwoven silk to cotton. His clients include members of royalty, dignitaries and art collectors. Among his prized works is a painting of Selangor’s official flower, the Bunga Tanjung, for Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor

He spent nearly two weeks piecing together a 1.2m by 0.8m flag from four kain pelikat in red, white, blue and yellow. Careful attention went into matching the colours with the original tones of the national flag. “One of the most challenging parts was the star. I spent about two days on that alone, making sure the corners and size were precise. There were times I almost gave up but my determination to finish it kept me going,” said Darwisy, the fifth of eight siblings. To make the flag even more special, he painted the figure of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj raising his hand in the iconic Merdeka proclamation on Aug 31, 1957. “I wanted it to look alive, a symbol of freedom and the moment our country broke free from colonial rule,” he said. A graduate in architecture from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Darwisy has been passionate about drawing since his school days.

Antique bicycles ignite patriotic spirit JOHOR BAHRU: A row of 15 antique bicycles adorned with the Jalur Gemilang , some dating back decades, became a colourful display of patriotism at Taman Sri Stulang here when residents held a lively cycling event recently to mark the National Day celebrations. mode of transport. Along the 300m route, residents waved flags from their windows, cheered the cyclists on and captured the moments with their phones. For Chen Oon, 71, who rode his late father’s antique bicycle, the event carried a deep message of togetherness.

“We want the younger generation to understand that Merdeka is not only about hanging flags, but also appreciating the unity we have inherited since the early days. That is the true spirit of independence,” he said. The excitement was also shared by SK Tebrau Bakar Batu student Rayyan Abdullah, 11, who eagerly awaits the event every year. “This event is really fun. I enjoy cycling with my friends while carrying the flag. I hope ‘Uncle Poison’ (Azhan’s popular nickname in the area) will keep organising it,” he said. Over 300 Jalur Gemilang and Johor state flags were seen fluttering at every corner of Taman Sri Stulang, intensifying the patriotic spirit ahead of the National Day celebrations. From energetic children pedalling with small flags in hand to elderly residents watching while humming patriotic songs, the entire neighbourhood came alive, embodying the true meaning of Merdeka through community spirit. – Bernama

Over 300 Jalur Gemilang and Johor state flags were seen fluttering at every corner of Taman Sri Stulang, intensifying the patriotic spirit ahead of the National Day celebrations. – BERNAMAPIC