IT was 60 years ago on Aug 31, that our beloved Tunku Abdul Rahman cried out with resounding joy, “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka…” at Stadium Merdeka. So overwhelmed by the historical significance of the occasion was he that he shouted out “Merdeka” not thrice as he had planned, but seven times!
I was then a 5-year-old kampung boy, oblivious to the excitement that had gripped the nation on that momentous day. It was only when I read my history books and watched snippets of the film of the historic occasion during my school days that the excitement of the occasion grew in me. Since then, each year, as the clock struck midnight on Aug 31 and the fireworks light the skies, emotions overwhelm me as I reflect on how blessed I am to be a Malaysian and to enjoy the fruits of the labour of our founding leaders.
As a nation, we have come a long way through trials and tribulations. We survived the bloody communist guerrilla insurgency of the early years of nationhood. We overcame confrontation with hostile neighbours, regrettable riots and destabilising financial crises of one form or another. We are now at the threshold of becoming a rich nation.
We have weathered every storm through the steady hands of our political leaders and through the great tolerance and charity that Malaysians extend to one another across the racial divide. And, we must not forget our men in uniform who sacrificed their lives and limbs during the Emergency and Confrontation. They continue to keep us safe.
Since the first shouts of “Merdeka”, we have much to be thankful for. We have to be thankful to the British for laying the foundation for an independent judiciary, rule of law, separation of powers and an impartial public service that is loyal to the government of the day. Our standard of living has improved tenfold, if per capita income is the measure. Our economic development has been inclusive. Income is distributed more equitably. No one, albeit some grudgingly, will dispute that our medical and health, education, transportation and physical infrastructure systems are among the best in the world. Sure, there is room for improvement. We are on a journey and still growing, right?
We have become a united nation amid diversity. That we foster communal cultures and languages, and vernacular education, and yet remain united as Malaysians, espousing the values enshrined in the Rukun Negara, is testament to our maturity as a nation. In some countries, homogenisation of language and culture is overarching. Citizens have to take on names subscribed by the dominant culture.
All my friends who come back from overseas willingly confess with great relief that there is no place like Malaysia! But, life comes as a package — the good and the not-so-good. We just need to keep working at the latter.
And so, as our nation celebrates its 60th anniversary, we must dedicate ourselves to fortifying the good foundation laid by our past leaders. We must never take our unity for granted. As the Tunku once said: “We are all Malaysians. That is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation.”
Our successive leaders, too, have confronted head-on communalism and extremism to forge an inclusive Malaysia. Their resolute determination has been a bulwark against the forces tearing at the seams of our multiracial and multi-religious tapestry.
There are pain points afflicting our nation that we have to address as we soldier on in nation-building. For one, the nation reels under the pressure of cost of living — a global phenomenon especially across the developing world — despite much effort of the government at its alleviation.
Ironically, this malaise is partly the result of improvements in our quality of living. Pricey brands and creature comforts, such as mobile phones, the Internet and electrical and electronic gadgets, spike our cost of living.
Even as we are making headway, we need to more evenly spread development across the land so that all Malaysians continue to share in the prosperity. We need to spread goodwill and civic consciousness in schools, on the road and in the use of public facilities and amenities. Changing demographics with an ageing population and urbanisation will require, among other things, policies to address the specific needs of the population.
We need to redouble our efforts to save our land, air, water and sea from pollution and leave a sustainable economy for posterity. We yearn to see our children fish, swim or splash in clean rivers, just as we did while growing up, with no risk to health. We yearn for safer neighbourhoods to see our children being about unattended, just as we did when we were young.
As we reflect on the spirit of Merdeka, we realise life as a Malaysian has its privilege. But, that privilege comes at a cost. As we sing Negaraku, we are reminded that this is the land for which we shall shed our blood. As the wise Tunku once exhorted: “We must each always think first of Malaysia, of the national need, and least, of ourselves. Everyone must try to help and see that the people are one-minded and loyal with one common aim, to make Malaysia — the land we love — a happy abode for all of us.”
Happy Merdeka Day!
The writer is a principal fellow at the Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.