By Farradiba Hasni
The meaning of Merdeka does not just revolve around the deaths of great heroes, overcoming injustice or hardship faced by citizens under the control of the colonialist anymore.
As I grow up, I had these thoughts regarding Merdeka and soon realised that its meaning changes over time.
After 65 years of Independence, what does Merdeka mean to Malaysians? Is it just a date when we celebrate and commemorate our country’s independence every 31st of August, or does it mean much more than that?
I had a chance to ask several of my friends as to what Merdeka means to them.
œIts about sacrifice! We sacrificed a lot of things to achieve independence in life, an Education student, Aini Nabilah said.
There have been several stories of major sacrifices from people of all races to achieve our countrys independence. For example, one of the stories is of women who pawned their jewelry to financially support Tunku Abdul Rahmans mission in achieving independence.
Meanwhile, speaking in the current situation, citizens today are also making sacrifices and enduring misery from the COVID-19 pandemic hoping for changes and for better days.
œThe meaning of Merdeka changes as time goes by. It can be expanded to more than just being free from the colonist, Muhammad Azmie, a History student said.
Quoting from Pendeta Za’aba, Merdeka refers to, œChanges from all aspects that block progress and achievement. Azmie emphasised that based on this definition, the meaning of Merdeka itself is open to a lot more discussion.
œMerdeka means to appreciate the sacrifices of our old folks for us to live freely nowadays and also a reminder for us to fight for our homeland as hard as they did back then. Not only from outside traitors but also from inside traitors, a Psychology student, Amira Farzana expressed.
Although we did not get to experience the days of hardship our ancestors went through, we still have to make sure that their sacrifices for better future will be worth it till the end.
According to Aina Safiah, another Psychology student, œMerdeka is when I realised how obligated I am to be a responsible citizen such as going out to vote for PRU.
It goes with the fact that, in order for better changes to take place, individuals have the responsibility to make it happen.
The interviewees agreed that the importance of making beneficial changes is the most important message to be highlighted. After 65 years of independence, changes will give Merdeka its value.
As each situation in life represents a challenge for us, I believe that as individuals, we need to strive to make changes. It’s either changing an old habit, changing the way we see things and the changes that occur within ourselves. Merdeka has changed our nation for the betterment as it has become free from the grasp of the colonialist.
More and more, in idealising innovation, advancement, and achievement, the mindset plays a big role. Merdeka is about having a positive mindset as we set out to make beneficial changes.
Let us take our time to reflect on what our Independence Day means to us Malaysians in order for its celebration to be more meaningful.
Happy 65th Independence Day, to all Malaysians. ***