Malaysians United by Merdeka

By ZULKIPLE IBRAHIM KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- At a shopping complex in the city recently, this writer overheard a small boy asking his father this question: "What is Merdeka Day?" The father answered Merdeka Day is also known as Independence Day for the country. "It is the National Day for Malaysia, commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malay States which was then known as Malaya from the British colonial rule in 1957. This day is celebrated on August 31 every year," said the father. "What is Malaysia day then?" came another question from the boy. The father answered patiently. "It is the day when Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore merged to form Malaysia in 1963. The date was Sept 16." It appears that that more needs to be explained about Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day, particularly for the younger generation. "So how old is Malaysia? Is it 49 or 55 years old?" the small boy asked while counting with his fingers. To this question, the boy's father remained silent. MALAYSIA On Aug 31, the nation will be 55 years old. However, some are still confused as to whether Malaysia is 55 or six years younger. According to historians, the Federation of Malay States which was known as Malaya then gained indeppendence from the British colonial masters in 1957, while Malaysia was formed in 1963 when Sabah and Sarawak joined the federation. Some historians also argued that without the Federation of Malay States (Malaya) as a sovereign nation, there would be no Malaysia. To those who are still unclear about Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day, a brief sojourn into history is needed. The nationwide Independence Day celebration is held on August 31 every year, the actual independence date of Malaya in 1957 while the formation of the Federation of Malaysia was announced on Sept 16, 1963 and is known as Malaysia Day. In 2009, the Federal Government decided that beginning 2010, Malaysia Day would be declared a nationwide public holiday in addition to Hari Merdeka or Independence Day on August 31. The formation of Malaysia was made possible through the introduction of the Malaysia Bill to the Malayan Parliament on July 9, 1963 and consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or King on August 29, 1963. Prior to the formation of Malaysia, Sarawak gained its independence on July 22, 1963 while Singapore and North Borneo (which was renamed Sabah) unilaterally declared independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1963, thus coinciding with the sixth anniversary of the Malayan independence. However, Singapore ceased to be a member of the Federation of Malaysia in 1965. UNITED MALAYSIANS The period of August until September is known as the Merdeka Month and it is nothing extraordinary to say that Malaysians across the nation are proud to be citizens of the country. What makes them so? "Many things have united Malaysians, right from food to culture," said social activist Gurmukh Singh. "Right from Tan Sri P. Ramlee in the movie industry, Malaysians have not found another person in Malaysia who is as creative, talented and intelligent as P. Ramlee," he said. Gurmukh said Malaysians practise a moderate lifestyle where people are free to do whatever they wish such as practising their own religious and political belief. Malaysians are polite too. "Just ask the foreign tourists, they will tell the world that Malaysians are friendly and polite people," said Gurmukh. "Our society is made up of diverse cultures and in Malaysia, people share a common understanding and respect for each other’s cultures." Prime Minister Najib Razak in his blog reminds Malaysians to appreciate the little things in their life that make the country unique to foreigners. He says the teh tarik (milk tea) sessions in mamak (Indian Muslim) eateries, night markets and fruits like 'durian' and 'langsat' are among the unique treasures that make up Malaysia. Happy 55h aniversary Malaysia! -- BERNAMA