What it means to be a Malaysian today

By Aida Najwa

“Merdeka!”

This word ignites the sentimental value that is symbolic to the historical event that took place 63 years ago at Stadium Merdeka., Kuala Lumpur. It was on 31 August 1957 that this word was chanted for seven times when the Federation of Malaya was officially declared as independent from the British ruling.

Thus, this day (31 August) is celebrated every year to remember the significance of our heroic ancestors’ fight in achieving independence for our country from foreign power. 31 August also reminds us of the prior hardships faced by our ancestors, which many of us had never experienced in our life, due to their great sacrifices.

While Hari Malaysia, which is celebrated on 16 September annually is a continuity for the establishment of Malaysia, with Sabah and Sarawak joining the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia. This day is not any less celebratory than 31 August as it still holds the same importance to every Malaysian. For Malaysians, these two historic days have great essence in cultivating the seeds of patriotism and unity.

It is widely known that Malaysia is synonymous with diversity. We are multicultural. We are composed of not only Malay but Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, Kadazan, Bajau, Iban, Bidayuh, Tidung, Kwijau, and many more where each of these racial and ethnics groups has their own unique traditions and beliefs.

Despite these differences, they do not deter us from living in harmony under the same nation.

As Malaysians, we regard the dissimilarity in every tradition and belief with tolerance and respect. We sing the same national anthem. We share the same official language which is Bahasa Malaysia. We even share the same lifestyle at some point. For instance, it is a very typical occurrence to see our local people order nasi lemak or roti canai in the morning. Teh tarik is also a common drink that is often portrayed as a Malaysia’s number 1 drink. Sometimes, we even call out the workers in the restaurant as “boss”.

And these show how we are able to coexist peacefully.

Being a Malaysian has its own perks.

Firstly, most Malaysians are naturally bilingual and some are even multilingual. This is the result of knowing numerous dialects and languages from our own ethnic groups with our official language. We tend to code-switch in our daily life which aids us to mingle with one another.

Next, we also enjoy various distinctive cuisines. We take pride in our local food. Some local cuisines are mixed with another cuisine to form unique dishes. Even fast-food chain restaurants reside in this country experiment with the local cuisine to suit our taste buds.

Furthermore, Malaysians also take delight in each celebration that is significant to each culture and belief. For example, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Wesak Day, Gawai Harvest Festival, and Keaamatan Harvest Festival. These meaningful festivals are often celebrated with great spirit and enthusiasm. Usually, institutions like schools organise events for students and the majority of Malaysians even host an open house to welcome one another. This kind of practice only strengthens the bond among Malaysians.

Additionally, we are easily befriended with people of different races too. This social interaction offers us many opportunities to expand our perspective on certain issues or topics as we are not practising the common custom. It teaches us to be more understanding and accepting to the differences which are the key features to unity in diversity.

Although the generations that live after the formation of this nation did not involve directly in the independence movement, we still possess a grand duty to this nation. We are the generations that drive Malaysia to spread its wings globally as this assists our own people to progress successfully.

We tend to take things for granted without properly comprehending the fundamental values. What we have now is the result of our ancestors’ efforts and sacrifices. We must not let them be in vain.

We should uphold peace and harmony that exist in our society. We should not be easily influenced by other ideologies that threaten our unique sense of identity as this could corrode what makes us Malaysian. We should also contribute our power to develop this nation for our people’s benefits.

As of today, the world is struggling against the Covid-19 pandemic and so does Malaysia. Even though we are not able to celebrate these two historic days with huge events, the spirit of patriotism is still present and should never fade. This is for the greater good.

The observance of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) as a whole helps in flattening the curve. We, Malaysians, share the common responsibility in bringing Malaysia to recover from the impact of this pandemic.

We build one another. We protect one another.

Our land is our honour and pride. And to be a Malaysian that is our identity. ***

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