SANDAKAN, Aug 31 — A house at Batu 15, Jalan Labuk here has become a striking symbol of patriotism after being adorned in the colours of the Jalur Gemilang, reflecting its owner’s deep love for the country.
“Teratak Gemilang”, the home of 68-year-old entrepreneur Mohd Halikin Angga, offers more than a vibrant display of the Jalur Gemilang, with its walls also adorned with portraits of the country’s leaders.
With a brush in hand and using his own resources, Mohd Halikin Angga transformed the house, painting it in red, white, blue and yellow to create Teratak Gemilang, a colourful expression of patriotism and a tribute to the spirit of independence.
Mohd Halikin said the idea of painting the wooden house with the colours of the Jalur Gemilang began in 2004, inspired by his love for the country and appreciation for his parents, who had lived through the colonial era.
“I felt sad every time the flags had to be taken down after the (National Day) celebrations. But seeing many flags blown away by the wind or falling from vehicles and ending up on the ground made me even sadder,” he told Bernama.
The home stands out with its deep-blue roof adorned with a golden-yellow crescent moon and 14-pointed star, while the walls are painted in bold red and white stripes, with Jalur Gemilang flags flying proudly around the compound.
“I also painted this house out of love for both my parents, who lived through the difficult times during the colonial era,” he said.
Stepping into Teratak Gemilang, visitors will find a mini gallery displaying portraits of the country’s leaders.
The living room is adorned with portraits of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah and Malaysia’s prime ministers, from Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj to the current prime minister.
Among his most treasured collections is a historic photograph showing Tunku Abdul Rahman meeting 20 North Borneo leaders in 1961 to discuss the formation of Malaysia.
Mohd Halikin said the photograph caught his attention when he came across it in a newspaper during a flight to perform Umrah in 2005, prompting him to seek permission from the cabin crew to keep and frame it.
His patriotism is evident even in his choice of names for his children, with three of his seven children named after prominent national figures and statesmen.
Mohd Halikin’s eldest child was named after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his second after Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, while his sixth child, Nur Zahirah, was named after the 13th Raja Permaisuri Agong.
“To me, a name is not just a name. It is a hope that the next generation will remember the contributions of past leaders,” he said.
More than two decades on, Teratak Gemilang continues to catch the attention of visitors, who often stop to take photographs there, especially during National Month.
Mohd Halikin said he would keep the house in the colours of the Jalur Gemilang so that the patriotic spirit behind it would continue to live on and his love for the country remain strong.
He also hoped that Teratak Gemilang would continue to inspire and strengthen the spirit of unity among Sabah’s multiracial community, especially during the National Day and Malaysia Day 2026 (HKHM) celebrations. — Bernama
