August 31st, Malaysia will be celebrating its 46th year of independence. People from all walks of life will be celebrating Hari Kebangsaan (National Day) in their own manner. Veterans, who actually fought for independence would celebrate perhaps with a prayer, to Malaysia's future and perhaps to their fallen comrades. The generation who were born before 1957, would remember the anticipation of the country achieving independence. The generation post independence will celebrate National Day as it is today,with performances being organized to usher the stroke of midnight. Party revellers would party all night long. From humble prayers and supplications to mad parties, Malaysians around the world will be proud of the nation's 46th birthday.
Last week, I was conned by a friend to attend a dinner function organized by Sekretariat Melayu Muda. The highlight of the function was a speech/mandate by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammad. Based from the speeches given by the event organizer and sponsor, the event was more towards remembering Mahathir rather than remembering independence. However, the Prime Minister in his speech did remind the audience to ensure the country maintain its independence and fight all form of neo-colonization.
Yesterday's friday prayer khutbah (sermon) also talked about independence. The khatib reminded the jemaah that being independent is not absolute. If we are not carefull, we will be colonized again either through economy or even culture. After prayers, the imam recited a tahlil and dua selamat. I wonder if other faiths organize prayers and offerings to celebrate our independence day.
To me, remembering independence day is not about remembering one day or to attribute the celebration to one person, be it Dr. Mahathir or even the father of independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Independence day is about reminding yourself, ourself of the struggle to obtain independence. Apart from Dato' Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak, there are other figures who sacrificed their time, energy and even their lives towards independence.
In our history books and publications, unlike in other countries, it is said that we achived independence without any bloodshed. That maybe true at the point of independence being declared. However, prior to that thousands have lost the lives. We must not forget the freedom fighters who fought the British since the late 1800s such as Dato' Bahaman, Tok Janggut, Dato' Maharajalela and Mat Kilau. Also the people who wrongfully sided with the Japanese during World War Two, in order to chase the British out of the country. Without the resistance and the yearning spirit of independence from these people, i dont think we would have achived independence by 1957.
I would like to urge fellow Malaysians to learn more about our independence. At least everyone of us should visit The Proclaimation of Independece Memorial in Malacca at least once to learn and appreciate our independence. Remembering independence day and the people who faught for it is just part of the bigger package. We must also instill patriotism and loyalty in our hearts and like Dr. Mahathir said, we must make sure we remain independent and deter any attempt by any party to take it away from us.
A lot of other people have expressed their views on independence. Aizuddin talks about his earliest account as a child celebrating Hari Kebangsaan. Abedib was kind enough to send me an article he wrote exactly five years ago when Malaysia celebrates its 41st birthday, and Fooji inspired by Nina's post wrote a merdeka post. And also not forgetting a host of other Malaysian bloggers who dedicated their posts to this special day.
To Malaysia, happy 46th birthday. This post is dedicated to you.
Merdeka-Jiwa dan Raga!!!
Thanks for mentioning the almost forgotten
warriors and many more that we don't know.
Abedib,blogging from cybercafe in London.
Posted by: Abedib | Monday, September 01, 2003 at 14:14
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