WE have come a long way since our country first heard the rallying cries of ‘Merdeka!’ by Tunku Abdul Rahman to mark that the nation was free from colonial rule.
It was a different time then, independence was something people fought for and the essence of unity was profound, and even more so today.
Sixty-five years in, how has this privilege evolved in its value? Have we lost our understanding of this type of freedom and nationhood?
The scale and turnout were double the sizes of what organisers had initially expected. Purely because celebrations for the past couple of years were entirely halted when the pandemic hit.
Hosting the parade and festivities at Dataran Merdeka instead of Putrajaya carried a bigger purpose – which is to bring back the energy the city craved.
Besides, the love for the country is still deeply engrained within the hearts of many. And it’s proven by today’s large attendance (approximately 100,000 people as disclosed by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry).
Kuala Lumpur’s historical site was filled with enthusiastic individuals both from the public, representatives and participants in uniform who came as early as 5am.
The eagerness portrayed by those present was expressed not just in their excitement but also through the tender-heartedness they have when they engage with fellow countrymen.
This was evident when the crowd helped assist the writer to breezily surf through the sea of people – from the riverbank near Kuala Lumpur Railway station straight to the centre of the event where the zone for those on duty to cover the celebration was designated – without any hesitancy.
Harmony is what many expressed wanting to see more of today when the idea of Merdeka spirit was raised.
“I wish for peace and fairness for all of us, which is an area that we can improve further on an interpersonal and social level across communities.
“It’s the kind of surrounding I hope for my children to be fully immersed in at least,” shared Angeline Wong, 45, who came to check out the parade together with her daughter Chan Chee Lum, 13, and son Chan Chei Phui, 10.
“As a family, we never had issues being close and good friends with people of different religions and backgrounds because that is how things are within our household,” she added.
Sharing the reason behind taking her kids to enjoy the parade today, she said: “As a Malaysian, we should be excited to get involved in celebrations such as this. It’s the best way to be closer to each other and relish in what we are grateful for together as rakyat Malaysia.
“Whether we like it or not, playing on racial sentiments (whether subtle or outwardly) is becoming a norm. And it’s as though that we don’t care to what extent it impacts us as a society,” said Muhammad Muinnudin Mohamed, 21.
He added that such things happen especially when civil matters become of national interest.
“Independence to me is when we can break free from our personal bias and just connect with others as human beings, without compromising on the values we keep true to.
“If we just go out and observe how groups mingle, it is easy to profile what we see based on race – Malays will be with the Malays, Chinese with the Chinese, Indians with the Indians. I would love to see people mix more comfortably.
“Merdeka (independence) to me is the highest degree in humankind when it comes to rights,” said Muhammad Syamil Zaini.
The 22-year-old came to the parade with a group of friends but was the only one to have dressed in full traditional attire tweaked for the day’s theme.
“My outfit today is to equally commemorate the history behind today’s celebration, which I feel should not be forgotten. Remembering our roots and struggle makes us better Malaysians."
Father and son Mohammad Jamil Abdul Hamid, 63, and Fawad Jamil, 27, shared that their idea of the Merdeka spirit all gravitates towards counting the blessings that Malaysians have in terms of access, which puts them at a better advantage compared to other nations.
“I was born in Pakistan but I have a family history (immediate and relatives) being part of this nation for a long, long time,” said Jamil who has thrived in business here.
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“I came here when I was just five years old and let me tell you how grateful I am to be here – my son (and his other four siblings) is the first generation.
“I think in all fairness, we should look at our differences as a strength because pluralism is unique, and it is what makes us better as a nation,” he added.
“I for one would also want Malaysians to start appreciating what our leaders have fought in the past to be free of colonial rules to enjoy the comforts we get today.
“The parade is a way for us to be proud of the assets we have, but to also remind us if we take things for granted it would also mean a great loss,” said Jamil’s son, Fawad. – The Vibes, August 31, 2022
