The concept and understanding of Merdeka have evolved since the nation won its independence on Aug 31, 1957.
What was once then a fight against British colonialism is now a struggle against the Covid-19 pandemic, and in ensuring the nation’s financial and fiscal independence.
As such, the youths of Malaysia must be empowered and be allowed to express Merdeka in their own way.
“Merdeka is about independence, about being able to make your own decisions and be allowed to unleash your talent to its fullest potential,” said former communications and multimedia minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
“There’s also patriotism, and there are two components to it; the love for the motherland (Malaysia) and the focus of patriotism.”
“When we were colonised, the focus was to gain independence. During the Confrontation with Indonesia, the end game was to settle the dispute. After (the race riots of) May 13 (1969), the objective was to reconcile and unite the people. Today, our focus is to fight Covid-19 and be free of it,” he said.
Saifuddin added a young individual living before Merdeka would have likely wanted to be a soldier, but today, the individual may want to be a doctor, instead.
“The focus changes due to the pressing issues and challenges in front of us.”
He acknowledged that the study of the nation’s independence in schools was limited to History and added that such a topic should be taught across all subjects.
“We need to empower the young to express their own understanding of independence and patriotism, in both words and actions.
“In co-curricular activities, they (youths) can do all sorts of things and we should not limit their creativity in expressing their feelings.
“More often than not, we are a little rigid and dare not allow the young to express themselves.”
Saifuddin admitted that certain individuals could get carried away but generally, youths should be allowed to make mistakes, and that “we should educate them”.
“Patriotic songs are often featured in the march tempo, but who said we can’t have a rock, or pop song with powerful lyrics as a patriotic song?”
The Information Department of Malaysia had been encouraging Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang. Saifuddin noted that flying the flag was something that should be done not only during the month of Merdeka, but throughout the year.
“The Jalur Gemilang is a symbol, a symbol that defines us.”
Meanwhile, the department has lined up several programmes throughout the months of August and September. They include the #JalurGemilangChallenge on TikTok and a photography contest.
To know more about these activities, visit Merdeka360.my.
