For me the word independence means being free from someone or something. In this case it would be Malaysia being free from the United Kingdom. As far as I know about Independence day it pretty much means an annual celebration for the anniversary of a nations independence. Malaysia’s independence was different from other countries because it was peaceful. They did not fight instead they just talked to the British. So on August 31 1957 the first prime minister of Malaysia Allahyarham Tunku Abdul Rahman proudly declared the independence of Malaya by shouting out “Merdeka” seven times at the Merdeka Stadium.
In 1956, the Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj led a delegation to London to hold talks with the British Government concerning independence for Malaya. The Malayan delegation, comprising of four representatives of the Malay Rulers and four Alliance representatives, convinced the British Government to set a date for independence which is on 31st August 1957. And so it came to pass that on the eve of 31 August 1957, at the Selangor Club Padang, the Malayan flag was hoisted to replace the Union Jack.
Early the next morning the Tunku read the Proclamation of Independence at the historic Merdeka Stadium. On both occasions, Tunku’s shouts of Merdeka! were joyously echoed by thousands of Malayans who were there, and the millions who followed the proceedings through the mass media. Malaya had officially gained independence from the former colonialists and became known as the Federation of Malaya, to be followed in 1963 by a change in name to the Federation of Malaysia.
And every year since that momentous event in 1957, Malaysians of all races proudly celebrate the anniversary of their independence. Malaysia has come along way since then. After almost half a century of progress, development and improvement, the country has become a role model for other developing countries. 1Malaysia concept shown that people of different cultures and religions can live and work together while maintaining their unique identities and their own traditions and customs.
On a special occasions like Merdeka Day, the many races of Malaysia proudly don their traditional costumes and gather at various venues around the country in celebration of freedom, self-determination and unity. Malaysia has come a long way since then. Nowadays, Merdeka Stadium is used for other things such as holding sports events or concerts. But, Independence is not a joke. When it is gone it is the end. If that ever happens we will suffer a lot of humiliation and discrimination.
We must always protect our country. We should love and proud of our country. If a fairy godmother suddenly in front of me with a crystal ball, a magic wand and a world atlas, and give me the liberty to select the country I would like to live in 25 years from now, without a second’s hesitation, I would point to Malaysia. The reason is very simple. I firmly feel that 25 years hence, Malaysia would be one of the nicest places to call “home”. LOVE MALAYSIA!!!!!
