Endless Possibilities In Celebrating Merdeka

By Jailani Hasan KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia), Aug 29 (Bernama) -- Flying flags, parades, fireworks, speeches, and entertainment shows seem to be the mainstay of the Merdeka (Independence) celebration to indicate patriotism, pride and a sense of common achievement. Yet only a limited number of Malaysians participate in many of the Merdeka events, often held in big cities while the rest of the masses watch them through television. A brief survey conducted by Bernama found that Malaysians have different ideas in celebrating their country's independence anniversary. Many just want to come out of their homes to exchange greetings and indulge themselves in festivities within their surroundings reflecting the 1Malaysia spirit. Chin Hong Leong, 53, said the independence anniversary is commemorated in more or less the same manner across the country year in year out with parades, cultural performances and carnivals. “Malaysians are looking to do something different on their National Day. They want to celebrate in ways that will enable them to engage with people in their surroundings and contribute to greater unity and mutual cooperation,” he said. DIFFERENT WAYS OF CELEBRATING NATIONAL DAY Across the country including in Labuan and Sabah, Malaysians suggested itineraries from spectacular fireworks and musical performances to family-friendly festivals, pot luck parties within neighbourhoods, and sharing one's Merdeka experience on the stage. One of the interesting suggestion is the food fiesta organised in neighbourhoods with everyone contributing the delicacies. The event should feature different local cuisines - Chinese, Indian, Malay, Kadzandusun Murut, Iban, Kadayan, Bajau, Bidayu and others - with the life telecast of the national celebration events as the backdrop. Rahmah Ismail, 45, a teacher said; "I think this is just an easy-going event. It's nothing too fancy, and neighbours just come and contribute their bit to get together once a year at the least." “If there is one dish to bond everyone, it is the traditional cuisine. Participants of the event must try delicacies prepared by the different communities," she said. As for Rahmah the myriad of local delicacies represent Malaysian diversity, while the event itself represents inclusiveness and unity. Yet, there are some who want to be more adventurous in celebrating Merdeka. There are youths who want to scale Mount Kinabalu on Merdeka Day. Others want go for jungle tracking and water rafting, all in the show of patriotism. CELEBRATING THROUGH REFLECTION Senior citizens want the celebration events to unite all Malaysians, especially now when unity appears vulnerable and also reflect on their lives. "Now is the time for Malaysians to stand up and be counted. People are struggling to get by with depressed wages and broken families. They are now no longer competing with one another but with foreigners who have taken up their jobs and space,” said Imran Abdullah, 73. “We hope that Malaysian from all walks of life will gather together as one and attend the celebration events," he said. Meanwhile, Osman Dali, 65 wanted to see more people regardless of their political ideology to speak on what they could do to renew their affection for their country. “National Day is celebrated to remind us that Malaysia is a country that has nurtured and given us opportunities to live through the years. “Malaysia has given us many things, for example, living the Malaysian way of life, knowing many people of different ethnic backgrounds. "We can love Malaysia in many ways, not just by taking pride in renewing the loyalty pledge and singing the national anthem but also by sharing about Malaysia to our friends," said Osman. MUSIC TO UNITE MALAYSIAN Osman added that music was a way to achieve social harmony and therefore participation of locals in music and songs during the celebration helps to foster harmonious relations within the plural society. “All of us enjoy music and it is going to be heartening when we see them singing along too. We just wanted to show our affection to our motherland and deliver the message that solidarity is power," said Osman. Meanwhile Ismail Ahmad, 51, a civil servant noted; “I think we must use the most effective medium now - Facebook and Twitter - to tell people how we are going to celebrate Merdeka." -- BERNAMA