I believe we are living in ‘interesting times’ as Mao would say — of uncertainties and political and social toxicity. The early years of Merdeka, especially in the 1970s need to be recaptured — a time in which nation-building was somewhat in the direction of peace, environmental sustainability, tolerance, and the emphasis on needs over greed.
As the nation celebrates its 52nd year, I feel both betrayed and helpless! The national leaders and people’s representatives have desecrated the noble legacy of our Founding Fathers. Our diversity is no more seen as strength but a weakness to exploit, and to divide and rule. Helpless, as a significant number of my fellow Malaysians have still not found the wisdom to overcome the primordial barriers of ethnicity, religion, colour and creed.
Some will think the historic day has nothing to do with them. Others audaciously and arrogantly, presume the day belongs to them. But in truth, a national day belongs to everyone.
It will help, it is even crucial that all political parties drop their differences on National Day and stand alongside each other to honour the meaning of nationhood and remember what Merdeka stood for, and why a new nation Malaysia was formed.
Perhaps those who decide policy need to reconsider if Merdeka is synonymous with Malaysia Day and synchronise these two auspicious but distinct events, to give every Malaysian a common day to celebrate their proud history.
Bagi diri aku, Merdeka membawa makna yang lebih besar bukan hanya meraikan kita rakyat yang bebas dari penjajah dan mengibarkan Jalur Gemilang. Minda kita masih belum merdeka.
Kita masih lagi dicengkam dengan cara yang sengaja dibuat oleh pemerintah selama ini untuk akur dengan apa sahaja cara yang dilaksanakan (pemerintah). Selagi akta zalim digunakan dan tidak dimansuhkan, kita masih belum merdeka.
Kita masih lagi mempunyai tahanan kem yang tidak dibicarakan bertahun-tahun, mahasiswa tidak bebas bersuara, rakyat tidak bebas berhimpun secara aman, media disekat dan sebagainya.
Agensi-agensi kerajaan juga tidak merdeka dalam menjalankan tanggungjawab mereka. Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya, Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia, Jabatan Alam Sekitar jelas berada di bawah telunjuk ‘seseorang’. Pihak polis menjadi sebuah badan yang tidak bertamadun.
Sempena 31 Ogos ini, kita mengambil semangatnya untuk bekerja dengan lebih keras bagi memerdekakan kita bagi Malaysia yang lebih adil.
Hoisting the national flag on National Day does not necessarily imply that you are patriotic.
Those shouting ‘1Malaysia’ may not even know what it means, but since it’s the trend, they just follow.
What you should give a thought to is how you can help make a better Malaysia with the meagre power in your hands.
What we want is a real ‘1Malaysia’ instead of empty words.
I wish you all Happy Merdeka Day!
Enough of the patriotic pap.
Quality merchandise moves itself off the shelves. It is shoddy goods that require extensive advertising. Need a pretty wrapper. Catchy slogan.
Even non-existent products can be promoted – Malaysia Boleh. Our concrete jungle is a forest of big, colourful billboards blaring jingoistic taglines. Their emphasis is on image.
Contrived image and bunkum imagery. Welcome to the imaginary homeland. Look at the three little kiddies – the ciku-coloured kid grinning in the middle, the smiling mangosteen and banana colours flanking him.
Well today I’m wearing the ‘1BlackMalaysia’ T-shirt given me by Chin Huat.