SANDAKAN — Mohd Halikin Angga’s residence at Mile 15 has become a local landmark, distinguished by its unique design that mirrors the Malaysian flag. Painted with red and white stripes along the walls and a blue roof adorned with a crescent and star, the home has earned the nickname “Rumah Bendera,” or Flag House, among the community. Mohd Halikin, 68, refers to the house as Teratak Gemilang, meaning “the glorious residence.”
Mohd Halikin’s tradition of displaying the Jalur Gemilang during Malaysia’s National Day festivities dates back many years. In 2004, he decided to transform his home’s exterior into a permanent tribute by painting the flag directly onto the walls. “The walls were already white, so I thought, why not just add the red stripes?” he said, explaining how he extended the colours to the upper portion of the house with blue paint and added the iconic crescent and star.
Over two decades later, the patriotic exterior remains well maintained, with regular touch-ups whenever needed and budget allows. Teratak Gemilang won the state-level decoration and beautification competition organized by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture for three consecutive years, from 2010 to 2012. After his winning streak, Mohd Halikin stepped back from entering to allow other participants a chance.
Inside the house, patriotism continues in the form of portraits that illustrate Malaysia’s leadership history. Instead of family photographs, visitors find images of the country’s prime ministers, several Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong, as well as former Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri. Mohd Halikin said he wanted his children and younger guests to learn about the figures who have shaped Malaysia’s development.
His passion for national history began during his primary school years and became a personal family tradition. Reflecting his admiration for past leaders, he named two of his children after prime ministers — Mahathir and Abdullah Badawi — and another daughter after a reigning royal consort, Nur Zahirah.
Adding to the symbolism, two of his vehicles feature license plates bearing “1957,” the year Malaysia achieved independence from British colonial rule. Mohd Halikin emphasized that the spirit of Merdeka should extend beyond the annual display of flags around August 31. For him, the Jalur Gemilang embodies the sacrifices and struggles behind Malaysia’s nation-building journey and serves as a continual reminder of its history and identity.