KUALA LUMPUR – The spirit of patriotism fills the air on August 31 as Malaysia grows a year older.
No industry better captures the essence of being Malaysian than the sports fraternity.
Carrying the wishes and dreams of the entire country, athletes wear the Malaysian colours and bear the Jalur Gemilang on their chests while competing internationally to bring glory to our country’s name, uniting the nation that cheers them on.
This year, as we mark our 65th year of independence, The Vibes spoke to several of our country’s best athletes and captains of the sports industry to hear what they have to say on this day of celebration.
Former sprint king Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan
“Merdeka day is special especially for those of us who stood at midnight on August 31, 1957 at Dataran Merdeka and heard Tunku Abdul Rahman’s iconic shouts of ‘Merdeka’, making the dream of an Independent nation a reality.
“We heard our national anthem play and saw our flag raised for the first time.
“As athletes, it became our stimulus to one day have our flag raised and hear ‘Negaraku’ playing while receiving the gold medal at international games.
“It should mean no less to every citizen of our beloved country.”
Commonwealth Games badminton silver medallist Ng Tze Yong
“I am so proud to be a Malaysian and do hope to win more medals for our country.
“Happy Merdeka Day to everyone!”
National diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg
“It gives me pride to represent my country and make Malaysians proud while doing what I love. Let us not just celebrate it today but cherish it every day by uniting together and building a better Malaysia for generations to come.
“Happy Independence Day to all.”
Football Association of Malaysia president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin
“August 31st is a special day for every Malaysian regardless of race and religion. It means unity among Malaysians who fought through tooth and nail for our country’s independence. I wish every Malaysian a ‘Selamat Hari Merdeka’ and pray for their livelihoods.”
National badminton legend Datuk James Selvaraj
“I wish all Malaysians, irrespective of race, colour or religion will come together and unite as one. The victory of our badminton boys (Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik) as world champions should bring us closer together as one Malaysian race.
“All for one and one for all.”
Football legend Datuk Santokh Singh
“Let us all unite as one nation and forget about racial sentiments, and be one happy family. Let us have a great 65 years of Merdeka. All for one and one for all.”
National men’s hockey head coach Arul Selvaraj
“At 65, we are a relatively young country. There is still loads of work that needs to be done for us to progress as a nation, especially educating the youth on what it means to be Malaysian. It is hard work and a long process, but we can do it.”
National hockey icon Mirnawan Nawawi
“My wish for this Merdeka is for economic recovery, peace and stability in Malaysia. As citizens of this country, we must all fulfil our responsibilities to keep progressing and maintain a safe nation.” – The Vibes, August 31, 2022
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