Every 31st of August, we Malaysians come together to celebrate Hari Merdeka, our Independence Day. It’s a day when our country bursts with pride, flags wave from every corner, and the spirit of freedom fills the air.
Back in 1957, our grandparents and great-grandparents witnessed a moment that changed our nation forever. After years of British rule, we finally got to call our country our own. Tunku Abdul Rahman, our first Prime Minister, stood tall at Merdeka Stadium in KL and shouted “Merdeka!” seven times. Each shout was for one of the states joining the new Federation of Malaya.
Getting to that point wasn’t easy. Our leaders had to work hard to bring together people from different backgrounds – Malays, Chinese, Indians, and others. They had to convince the British to leave and figure out how to run a country. It was a big job, but they did it for us.
Now, when Merdeka comes around, it’s more than just a holiday. Sure, we love the parades in Dataran Merdeka and seeing our Jalur Gemilang everywhere. But it’s also a time to think about what it means to be Malaysian.
In school, we learn about the struggle for independence. We hear stories about the leaders who fought for our freedom. It makes us proud of where we come from and gets us thinking about where we’re going.
On Merdeka Day, you’ll see Malaysians of all races and religions coming together. We might be watching the parade on TV, going to local celebrations, or just hanging out with family and friends. Some of us join the Merdeka Run, while others enjoy traditional games like congkak or batu seremban.
Our favorite part? The food, of course! From nasi lemak to roti canai, char kuey teow to chicken rice, Merdeka is a great excuse to enjoy all our favorite Malaysian dishes.
As young Malaysians, Merdeka is our chance to celebrate our country’s past and think about its future. It’s a reminder that even though we might come from different backgrounds, we’re all part of the Malaysian family.
So this Merdeka, whether you’re in KL, Penang, Johor, Sabah, Sarawak, or anywhere else in our beautiful country, take a moment to feel proud. Wave that Jalur Gemilang high, enjoy some local food, and remember – we’re all in this together. Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!