KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the National Day, a group of youngsters, aged between 4 and 16, shared their thoughts on the meaning of Merdeka at Balai Berita in Bangsar here recently.
Representing various ethnic groups, the children, who met for the very first time, warmed up easily to each other, a unique feature of Malaysians.
On the wall at the building’s Resource Centre is a large print of the first prime minister the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, shouting “Merdeka!” in proclaiming the country’s independence at Stadium Merdeka here on Aug 31, 1957.
Part of Balai Berita’s Art Crib + Galeri Prima, the artwork prompted the children to share their understanding of the historical event.
Sofia Lee Shahrir, 10, from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Tunku in Petaling Jaya, said National Day was a reminder for all Malaysians to be grateful of the nation’s achievement.
“When our first prime minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed our country’s independence 62 years ago, it paved the way for us to not only progress and move forward as a nation, but also gave us our freedom that we now enjoy.
“For centuries prior to gaining independence, we were colonised and ruled by the British, Dutch and Portuguese.
“So Merdeka Day is not just about celebration, but being grateful and thankful to Tunku and our country’s forefathers for the freedom that we enjoy till this day.”
Tiffany Cyan Vallaipan, 9, of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Desa Jaya 2 in Bandar Sri Damansara, said her parents instilled the importance of learning about the nation’s history from a young age.
“My parents told me that our country is special and unique, and we should count our blessings as citizens.
“Here, people from different ethnic groups, backgrounds and beliefs have been living in peace and harmony even before independence.
“I look forward to National Day.
“At school, we do not only get to learn about the country’s history from our teachers, but also watch documentaries on how Malaysia gained independence.
She said this Merdeka, she was learning more about the historical significance of Stadium Merdeka.
“As an iconic venue that has hosted all kinds of sporting and entertainment events, Stadium Merdeka was also the place where the late Tunku proclaimed our independence with shouts of Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!”
Danyal Mervyn Fernandez, 10, of Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Damansara, said his interest in the country’s history grew after he found out that his grandparents had attended the historical event 62 years ago.
“My grandparents were there for the first Merdeka celebration and witnessed everything with their very own eyes.
“It makes me proud to learn that my family’s elders were part of history being made and I got to hear about their experience first-hand.”
The children later waved a mini Jalur Gemilang as they got together for photos.
Two of them stood out with their patriotic-themed outfits.
Amel Qin Amri, 16, of British International School of Kuala Lumpur wore a batik shirt, while 7-year-old Ryan Zachary Vallaipan of Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Desa Jaya 2 in Bandar Sri Damansara wore a cap that reflected the Malaysian flag.
For the children, these little things mattered in displaying their love for the country.
“I told my mum and dad that I want to wear this cap because it has the Jalur Gemilang on it.
“Some people put mini flags on their cars, but I don’t have a car and I can’t drive, so I decided to wear it on my head instead,” Ryan said.
Amel said his batik shirt showed the beauty of the country’s heritage.
“It is part of our identity and it shows who we are to the world.
“I love to wear it wherever I go and since it is Merdeka, I think it is the perfect time to show how proud I am of my nation and heritage,” Amel said.
Cristiano Jordan Fernandez, 13, of Sekolah Menengah USJ4 in Subang Jaya, said as Malaysians celebrated Merdeka, they should also play their part to build the nation and ensure that the country continued to progress.
“To become a developed nation, we should embrace technology.
“We must support our leaders in their efforts to move the country forward and scale greater heights.
“My parents always remind me to focus on my studies so that I could be a useful citizen in the future, one who can contribute to the country’s development,” Cristiano said.
As the country rolls out Visit Malaysia Year 2020, the children pointed out the importance of keeping the country clean, as reminded by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently.
Armand Lee Shahrir, 12, of Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Tunku in Petaling Jaya, said the country’s cleanliness should go hand in hand with upholding the spirit of patriotism.
“It is disheartening when you see places strewn with rubbish.
“They are not only unsightly, but also unhygienic.
“This does not reflect who we are as Malaysians.
“With Visit Malaysia Year around the corner, we should work together to show to the world that we Malaysians care about the environment too.”