One Malaysia, One Love

“When it comes to one of the most fascinating chapter of Malaysia’s history (1946-1969), memories of rapture and joy, misery and shame would crop up instantly in my mind and without doubt.”

This is a confession made by Madam Chan Ying, 86 years old who survived the Japanese occupation and witnessed the glory of nation Independence Day herself. She admitted that the Japanese occupation had been a hard and thorny time for most Malaysians back then. Hence, being part of the nation’s Independence Day was like seeing a mission impossible being made possible right in front of her eyes. Five centuries after the Portuguese first stepped their foot on Malacca, marking the start of European colonization, Malaya finally gained its sovereignty in 1957.

The post-war propelled in an eruption of royal carousing and it is definitely a joy shared by millions of Malaysians jointly. In the chronological records of Malaysia, there is one man who is said to exemplify this celebrated era the best and he is none other than Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. This legendary Cambridge educated lawyer championed Independence through endless of hardships and struggles. He was acknowledged as the Malaysia’s first ever prime minister. On 31 August 1957, Tunku, the father of Malaysia with his arm held up high, gave the prominent shout of “Merdeka” (independence) and the much awaited throng of emotional citizens thundered the newly built Merdeka Stadium with delight. This was the day when the British Union Jack was lowered and Malayan flag was raised with poise. This is the moment where every single Malaysians shared the same happiness, all at once. The remarkable moment on 31 August 1957 is immortalized in the mind of many Malaysians, at least the older generations who can truly understand the meaning of “merdeka”.

At the epoch of Independence, Malaysia was already very much a plural society. In fact, after the formation of Malaysia, citizens grew  progressively more aware of their identity as Malaysians. With the emergence of a new generation born and bred in Malaysia, ties to their very own native land were slackened off. Rapid growth of the nation tailed Independence, where high-rise buildings began to change the skyline and new planned townships such as Petaling Jaya revolted the way Malaysians used to live. The streets were also becoming ever more hectic with traffic. A whole new generation of Malaysians has emerged.

Merdeka is one simple word yet with infinite definition depending on each individual. As a post-independence child, Madam Chong Poh Yen, 46 years old pointed out “merdeka” is all about freedom and sovereignty. It is also about a war-free nation and peaceful country. Most people tend to take things for granted and the value of “merdeka” is often neglected especially by the younger generations. This is due to the fact that they are lucky enough to be born in the post-independence era and need not face the ugly side of war and hard times.

In this momentary world, where there is so much hate and revulsion, people should start looking at the bright side of everything. “Merdeka” is a value of great significance that most people tend to overlook. Come to think of it, what would have happen if our country has not achieved independence yet? Will we still be suffering from the domination of foreign country? The road to nationhood is a long and bumpy one yet our ancestors fought for it through thick and thin. Now, as a proud Malaysian, it is our responsibility to preserve the spirit of “merdeka”. There are also two sides to every story and we should look at the positive side instead. At the end of the day, we were born in the same country, lived in the same nation, studied using the same textbook, ate the same grains, played on the same soil and speak the same language. Therefore, we are actually ONE in a way. Happy 52nd Independence Day. We stand by the slogan of 1 Malaysia.