Photo caption: Youths waving the Jalur Gemilang. Malaysias younger generation were the toast of the countrys 55th Independence Day celebrations at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur “ Bernama Photo
By Izzud deen Redzuan
œMalaysia, Where Love Grows was announced on 24 June 2014 as the theme for the countrys 57th Independence or Merdeka Day celebration.
Communication and Multimedia Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said that the theme was picked from the song œWarisanœ, made popular by the late entertainer Sudirman Haji Arshad. He also believed that the theme will have a deep impact and fill the hearts of all Malaysians with love for their country.
As usual on 31Â August, there will be parades, exhibitions, anthems, shows, fireworks and tons of flags being waved to celebrate this meaningful day. However, for those who lived before Merdeka, this celebration is more than that.
What is the meaning of Merdeka? The standard definition of Merdeka for Malaysians is that its a day where we celebrate our freedom from colonisation and foreign ruling. It is a national event celebrated by all Malaysians regardless of race and religion.
If we study the history book, we will notice that our forefathers did not obtain independence from foreign ruling easily, which started from Portuguese, Dutch, then Japanese, communist terrorists and finally British.
They had to fight the foreign forces in order to gain independence and I believe their sacrifices should be acknowledged by todays generation.
Hence, how many youths actually understand the meaning of Merdeka? What does ‘Merdeka’ actually mean to them?
As for myself, Merdeka stands for self-government, freedom and sovereignty. Thus, Merdeka is meaningful to all Malaysians. Being a post-Merdeka child, I know I did not fully appreciate this or understand how valuable Merdeka is until I saw the violence of war in Middle-East and other places.
Thinking how they have struggled to coin the term ˜Independence and they have to see the bloodshed of their people every day. As a younger generation we should acknowledge the contribution of our forefathers and appreciate the independence we enjoy today.
For Muhammad, œSincerely, I adore the peace that exists in this country. I am glad that I can study in a peaceful environment and act responsibly towards others within our nation in order to ensure the harmony that we have achieved since 1957.
A friend of mine, Imani from Sabah said that Merdeka begins in the hearts and souls of the people. It is not just being grateful but being good citizens too. It means that we are coexisting with other races in harmony and respect their values and traditions. Malaysia means everything to me. Everything I do, I do it for my country.
Many of us agree that we are proud of multicultural Malaysia. Nor added, œIt is amazing that all of us can live together in peace and harmony regardless of the different culture, race and religion. Every race is able to practice their own culture and way of life, and having the freedom to make our own policies without interference from other countries.
My colleague, Abdullah sums it up, œMerdeka is a celebration of awareness, that we have the understanding that above all, we are all living and sharing a space in this country that we call home where it is the place where our heart and soul belongs.
Display your patriotism and show your love to this country in this Merdeka Day. Lets work hard and make Malaysia a better country for all.
Malaysia, this is why we are so proud of you “ Malaysia, where love grows!
Photo taken from Bernama