Malaysia Independence Day
Jalur Gemilang-The Malaysian Flag
Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is a national day of Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule. In a wider context, it is to celebrate the formation of Malaysia. The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British for Merdeka, or independence. Once it became increasingly clear that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, agreement was reached on February 8, 1956 for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire. However, for a number of logistical and administrative reasons, it was decided that the official proclamation of Independence would only be made the next year, on August 31, 1957 at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur.- The formation of Malaysia
The Federation of Malaysia, comprising states of Malaya, North Borneo (later renamed Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore was to be officially declared on the date August 31 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence. However, it was postponed to September 16 1963, mainly due to Indonesian and the Philippines' opposition to the formation of Malaysia. Indonesian opposition later escalated to a military conflict. Indonesia considered Malaysia as a new form of colonization on the provinces of Sarawak and Sabah in the island of Borneo (bordering Kalimantan, Indonesia), which they laid claim on. To assure Indonesia that Malaysia was not a form of neo-colonialism, a referendum, organized by the United Nations, and the Cobbold Commission, led by Lord Cobbold, were formed to determine whether the people of Sabah and Sarawak wished to join Malaysia. Their eventual findings which indicated substantial support for Malaysia among the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, cleared the way for the final proclamation of Malaysia. The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was then announced on September 16, 1963. However the Independence Day celebration is still held on August 31, the original independence date for Malaya. This has caused some minor discontent among East Malaysians in particular since it has been argued that celebrating the national day on August 31 is too Malaya-centric.
Merdeka!!!MERDEKA..merdeka......!!!!
As time flies, the danger seems to have extinct, but it lurks beyond the naked eyes. Younger generations tend not to bother the importance of independence anymore, not only in Malaysia but other countries as well. This would cause them to fall prey to the superpowers. Colonization could happen economically and even socially in some parts of the world. Independence should be maintained no only externally, but also internally into the minds of the people. The effects of this agenda which may jeopardise our independence could be our lack of learning, egoism, seggregation and political struggle. If this phoenomena worsen, the independence will extinct.
Therefore, we, as the younger generation and citizens of Malaysia, must protect our country from any harmful sources. We should work hard together to gain superiority and not to be left behind. Though education plays an important role, but it will only be successful the people are willing to contribute and sacrifice. The quality of independence is indirectly proportional to the action taken by its people to maintain and strenghten it. Independence is not a joke. When it’s gone, it’s the end. If that happens, we will suffer a lot from humiliation and discrimination.
We don’t want history to repeat itself. Therefore, we must always be prepared to protect our country. We must endure the saying “From the fall of Malacca, we raise Malaysia!”. On 31 August 2006, Malaysia will celebrate its 49th independence day. Let us all hold our hands, celebrate it together and pray for the longevity and prosperity of our motherland. We all should let out our voices by shouting “Merdeka!” and enjoy together all the hard work our forefathers have done for us. Malaysia will continue to be an independent country till the end of the world. Long live Malaysia!!!
Written on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 4:52 PM
