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Merdeka Day Celebration

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On 31st of August 2012, our nation is 55 years old. 31st of August 1957 is an important date to remember in every single citizen of Malaysia due to it was the day our country achieved independence from Britain. The celebration of Merdeka Day was grand due to it is an important day for every Malaysian. As a student from Institut Pendidikan Guru, I had the chance to celebrate merdeka day in Stadium Bukit Jalil with others because I was going to have choir human graphic performance on that particular day in the year of 2012.

By using LED board with some accessories such as remote control, tripod stand and batteries, we were able to perform choir human graphic. With excited, we were being trained by the instructors for the performance for 6 days which was from 25th of August 2012 to 30th of August 2012. Departing from our IPG Campus Ipoh in the morning of 25th August 2012, we moved to our “new hostels” which was located at College 11 of University Putra Malaysia. After practised for a few days, we had rehearsals for all the performances before the day of merdeka. On 31st of August, we had our dinner at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

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Going to the Stadium Bukit Jalil by buses, we spent more minutes than usual as there was a heavy traffic. Police were carried out their duties to block some roads which is near to the Stadium Bukit Jalil. We arrived at the stadium at about 4. 30 p. m. , there were crowded by people with different races, cultures and religions since Malaysia is an united country which is famous with multiraces living together in a country. Many volunteers from NGOs, such as Red Crescent Society, Civil Defence and St. John Ambulance were well prepared when we arrived there.

They carried out their duties in case of any emergency cases happen. Although the celebration begun at 8 p. m. , but we prepared well with all our accessories and LED board in our sit at 5 o’clock in the evening. Due to the people in the stadium is 10,000, we were being ordered by instructors to prepared well and sat at our place early and testing our LED board whether it can function well or not. There were some performances such as wushu, dancing and singing is carried out by the performers before 8 p. m.. We enjoyed watching the performances which is fantastic because of the performances was performed by artists.

Shouting and yelling crazily, the stadium was being filled with our sound. We saw many people in the stadium with different colour of shirts which are red, yellow, green, blue and white. Every corner of the stadium was fully filled with the audience and performers. It looked extraordinary when every group of people sitting together with same colour of shirts which was different from the group next to them. When the clock showed that it was 8 o’clock at night, the celebration started on time. Firstly, the Prime Minister and others ministers had a unity walk with all cameras forcusing on them.

When they were walking along the running track in the Stadium Bukit Jalil, the patriotic songs were played, followed by our national anthem, “Negaraku” when all the ministers were sitting on their own seats. I felt touching when the national anthem was played. Waving different size of flags together by the audience when patriotic songs were played, we felt that it was fabulous. After that, the celebration was continued with the chairman of the ceremony giving his speech followed by our dearest Prime Minister gave his speech. With applause, the prime minister ended his speech. Twitter with our Prime Minister was the following event.

We had broken records of tweet in the same time for 10,000 people and the most tweets in the time of an hour. It was a glorious moment since we were breaking the records. I felt fun to tweet with our Prime Minister, other ministers and the audience whoever in the Stadium Bukit Jalil. Our Prime Minister also gave some rewards for the people who made our country proud. For example, Dato Lee Chong Wei, badminton player who won silver medal in Olympics 2008 and 2012, Dato Nicol David, world champion squash player and Pandelela Rinong who won the bronze medal in the 10m diving event at the 2012 Olympics in London.

All of us clapped our hands with screaming respectfully. Then, the performances which included “Tarian Kilat”, “Songka Gadai” and “ Go Malaysia Go” were started. Having patriotic feeling, I sang with the songs of Jalur Gemilang, Tanggal 31 and others patriotic songs when it were played. All the events were marvellous and fascinated. When we were watching all the events from our seats, we felt that it was very spectacular. I felt happy and interesting as I can watch all the performances by live, feeling the surrounding of the events.

The events were ended by 10. 30 o’clock at night. When it was finished, all the ministers and most of the audience were begun to left the stadium while all of IPGM students still on their seats. Some local singers were performing on the stage of Stadium Bukit Jalil. The lucky draw of that night started at 11 p. m.. There were 2 cars, 4 motorcycles, tickets to London, bicycles, and ipad to be winning back Not that lucky, I do not win anything. We left the seats in the stadium at 12a. m. because of the trafic jams made our buses cannot exit the stadium earlier.

When the event ended, we felt that it was a memorable experience for us in our life. Although we felt tired, we were still very happy and proud to have good performances since it was very meaningful. I felt patriotism after I took part in the event. If there is a chance in future, I am willing to take part again. I learnt that cooperation from everyone is very important to obtain success based on the merdeka day celebration that I had taken part. Cooperation between members while performing our event is the key to have a perfect show.

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Malaysian Independence Day: Celebrations of Freedom Mark the Coming Together of Cultures

01 August, 2013

Malaysia’s Independence Day, known as Hari Merdeka, is very festive occasion. There are smiling faces everywhere, as Malaysians from all backgrounds, races and religions come together to celebrate with parades, cultural events and fireworks.

Malaysians celebrate this historic event to mark the occasion of achieving independence from Britain in 1957 with much fervour. The word ‘Merdeka’, meaning “’independence’ or ‘freedom’ in Bahasa is derived from the Sanskrit ‘Maharddhika’ which means ‘rich, prosperous and powerful’. ‘Merdeka’ was a much used word in the region during the anti-colonialist and pro-independence movements in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

In agreement with the concept of 1 Malaysia, designed by the Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak, Merdeka celebrations is matched to a different theme every year. These themes have a customised slogan and a special song slogan that is oriented toward unity as Malaysia has a large mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures with different ideologies and religions.

A historical perspective of the Malaysian Independence Day

The first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj initiated the effort for independence and together, with a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya, he negotiated with the British officials in London for independence. On realising that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency had decreased, it was decided to grant Malaya independence from the British rule on 8 February 1956. The official declaration was held a year after for administrative and logical purposes like preparing the Malayan Constitution and the administration of justice.

The ceremony took place just past midnight on 31 August 1957, where the Malayan Flag was raised and national anthem Negaraku was sung. Tunku Abdul Rahman called out “Merdeka” seven times at the Merdeka Square called the Dataran Merdeka.

Malaysia of the present day came into existence on September 16, 1963 when there was an official joining of the Malaysia Federation of States that included Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.

Traditions come alive year after year

Every year, Malaysians and tourists gather at the Dataran Merdeka in the capital Kuala Lumpur to celebrate their independence day and to witness the country’s glorious celebrations.

The Dataran Merdeka is decorated with an impressive row of Malaysian flags called Jalur Gemilang with one flag flying on one of the tallest flag poles in the world at 95 meters off the ground.

The Merdeka Day Parade is a much-awaited event, one of the most colourful events that are celebrated annually. People look forward to the vivid cultural dance performances, open air concerts, carnivals and sports festivals.

The Malaysian Royal Family, Prime Minister, military personnel and government officials participate in this colourful and fascinating parade, and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the fight for the country’s independence. They watch over the events from a stage which is set in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and performing troops and marching squads march past the stage to show their respect.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built in 1896 by the British A.C. Norman to accommodate the British government administration. It was built in the Moorish style, reflecting the Islamic culture yet with a touch of British architecture that suitably reflects the history of Malaysia. Its 41-meter tower chimed for the first time to correspond with Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Parade in 1897 and has chimed since. The clock has chimed every year at 12 midnight to mark the Malaysia’s independence celebration.

The skies are filled by a majestic display of aircraft by the Malaysian Army, Navy and the Air Force, all saluting to the nation’s commemoration of independence. Military helicopters follow the aircraft carrying the Malaysian national flag, the military flags of the Armed Forces and its three units as well as the flags of Malaysia’s 13 states and three federal territories.

The most anticipated event of Merdeka Day Parade is the vibrant performances of young dancers dressed in kaleidoscopic costumes, jewellery and make up. The programme also includes many drill displays and instrumental performances of the Malaysian ethnic percussion band and the civil and military marching squads.

Similar parades are held in different states of Malaysia. Throughout August, Malaysians display their patriotism towards the country by raising the Malaysian flag wherever possible—along the streets, homes, schools, office premises and also vehicles. It is a common sight to see cars decked up with unique designs, stickers and cut outs of the Jalur Gemilang, as they blast patriotic songs and drive down the streets.

Cities and towns around Malaysia are decorated with fairy lights and make a very pretty picture. Several exhibitions and competitions are also staged in Kuala Lumpur. Being a multi-cultural society, Malaysian government works on strongly emphasising ethnic harmony and Independence Day celebrations serve to remind the citizens of this goal and helps to promote national unity and goodwill.

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UM Library Exhibition

• Hari Merdeka : The Spirit of Independent Malaysia
• Pameran Kayu

The Chronology

• The Chronology Hari Merdeka : The Spirit of Independent Malaysia
• Road to Independence Road to Independence of Malaysia

Hari Merdeka : The Logos

• The Logos The Spirit of Independent Malaysia: The Logos
• Themes Hari Merdeka : The themes
• Songs Hari Merdeka : The Song

Introduction

Hari merdeka: the spirit of independent malaysia.

To commemorate the nation’s Independence Day, we invite you to celebrate the freedom and independence gained by reflecting or reminiscing the history of the country from its embryo stage to what is now a transformed and thriving global nation.

The Merdeka celebration also serves as a reminder to all Malaysians to appreciate the struggles and sacrifices that our Founding Fathers, leaders, and many other unsung heroes have undergone to liberate the country and fight for the independence that it craved for. 

Today, Malaysians celebrate Independence Day with the Merdeka parade, fireworks, and patriotic songs. A logo and theme; usually a slogan that promotes ethnic unity and cultural diversity are assigned each year.

During the Merdeka Parade, there would be various processions, military demonstrations, cultural performances, and other interesting events to fill the day. Ordinary folks from all walks of life would stand by the roadside, cheerfully waving the country’s flags.

The Embryo Stage

The Neolithic Man

The cave dwellers were the earliest men of whom the archaeologists have found traces in Malaya.

A page from the book 'A history of Malaya for schools' - Skeleton

These stone tools have been carefully shaped, sharpened and polished. The great majority of them are adzes. An adze is a carpenter's tool with a cutting edge, rather like a chisel. These polished adzes tell us a great deal about the Neolithic people. They were made by skilled craftsmen with plenty of time to spare.  It is thought in fact that they built quite large villages on riverbanks and that although they did use the caves and rock shelters, they lived in houses built on stilts as do many of the country people in Malaya today. 

A page from the book 'A history of Malaya for schools' - Neolithic bracelet

The Malay Archipelago 

After 1 AD, there existed in the Malay Archipelago a number of kingdom states such as Kedah, Langkasuka, Srivijaya, Majapahit, and Malacca. Among these early great kingdoms were the Malay kingdom of Melaka which had all kinds of traders from near and far sailing all the way to sell and buy their goods here. 

It is said that none of the people; that is, the cave dwellers and the Neolithic Men of prehistoric times are related to the Malays today. It is thought that the Malay originally came to South East Asia from somewhere in Central Asia between three and four thousand years ago. They came to live in the Malay Peninsular and in all the islands of the Archipelago.

From the earliest times, people from India and people from China have come to South East Asia. They came to trade, and some of them stayed to make their homes. 

A page from the book 'The story of Malaya and Singapore' - trade

A page from the book 'Malaysia : a pictorial history 1400 - 2004' - map of Malacca

A page from 'Malaysia at 50' : From the earliest times people from India and people from China have come to South East Asia. They came to trade, and some of them stayed to make their homes. 

A page from the book 'Malaysia - a pictorial history 1400 - 2004' - A'famosa

Cotton cloth from India was unloaded, camphor from Borneo, cloves from the Moluccas, pepper from Sumatra, Macasar and Bantam, nutmegs from the Banda islands, sandalwood from Timor, sugar, silks, porcelain, silver and pearls from China, perfumes and opium from Persia and Arab. The news of Malacca’s rich trade had even reached Portugal. In Europe meat had to be dried and salted so that it would keep through the long winter months. Spices made it taste better and so were much needed.  

A page from 'A history of Malaya and her Neighbours'

This was the beginning of the country’s colonization by Western powers. After the Portuguese, came the Dutch, followed by the English and the Japanese. The primary motive of colonization was economic because of the rich natural resources such as tin, rubber and other crops of commercial value. The British grip over the country began with the control of the Straits Settlements (Malacca, Penang Island and Singapore) followed by control over other states that were subsequently classified into the Federated Malay States and the unfederated Malay States including Sabah and Sarawak.

A page from 'Malaysia at 50'

By the 1800s, there were new immigrants coming into Malaya to feed the labour shortage in the plantations, mines, bureaucracy and the railway. Many also became general labourers in towns such as Kuala Lumpur.

The Malayan Emergency

Four Kuala Selangor home guards run for their firing positions in one of the events at the annual Selangor home guard shoot at The Batu Caves rifle range, near Kuala Lumpur. They are (from left) Mohd Nek, N. Gopal, Abu Bakar and Abdul Manap.  Item Link

"The federation began fighting militant communism in the middle of June 1948. The enemy is still the Malayan Communist Party, an organisation formed in Singapore in the early 1920's.

The Communist Party of Malaya felt the British wanted to exclude them from power by manipulating the independence process. Within a few month, they organised an armed revolt against the Federation Government. The insurgency began with the murder of the three British planters on June 16, 1948. A state of emergency was declared the next day as the Communist began their terror campaign of violence and murder to create economic chaos and to cripple the new government.

For the next 12 years, an intense jungle war was fought by the British, Commonwealth and Malayan forces against the Communist terrorists. The arrival of Lt. Gen Sir Gerald Templer as British High Commissioner in 1952 signalled the beginning of the end of the emergency. Templer introduced counter-insurgency measures that effectively reduced the Communist impact. Finally, on July 31, 1960, the Emergency was lifted. 

Up over the emergency period in Malaya, a total of 9,313 terrorists had been eliminated, 6,215 killed, 1,221 captured and 1,877 surrendered and 2,724 had been wounded. Meanwhile, 2,445 civilians had been killed, 1,378 wounded and 805 are still missing."

A page from the book 'Road to nationhood : Malaysia 1941-1966'

The killing of three European planters by communists triggered the declaration of emergency by Sir Edward Gent, the British High Commissioner in Malaya.  

The funeral of Mr Archibald Nicolson, who was killed when his car overturned after he and his wife had run into a bandit ambush.

During the emergency, movement of people and goods was closely monitored to root out communist sympathisers who supplied food and information to the communist terrorists. Picture show a special constable examining the rattan baskets in the boot of a car at one of the many road checks near Kuala Lumpur during the anti-bandit month.

Typical operation by 848 Naval air squadron, showing the troops boarding a helicopter in the Malayan jungle in one of their forays against the communist terrorist.

Road to Independence

"Despite the early upheavals arising from the Malayan Union and the 1948 Federation of Malaya Agreement, the struggle towards nationhood gathered momentum. In 1946, the Malayan Indian Congress (MIC) was formed and in 1949, the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA). On January 8, 1952, an UMNO-MCA Alliance came into being to resolve differences between the Malays and the Chinese and to provide a winning formula for the gaining of the electoral seats for the Federal Legislative Council. The MIC joined the Alliance on October 17, 1954. In the first federal election of 1955, the Alliance party won 51 of the 52 seats. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the UMNO President who was also head of the Alliance party, became Chief Minister of Malaya. 

Armed with an unquestionable mandate, the Alliance pursued the road to nationhood with increased determination and urgency. Representatives of the Malay Rulers and the Alliance held a series of talks in London in 1956. In the same year, Lord William Reid was appointed Chairman of an Independent Constitutional Commission which included nominated representatives from the British, Indian, Pakistani and Australian government. The Reid Commission eventually submitted a draft 'Merdeka' constitution in February 1957 and it was approved by the Federal Legislative Council in August 1957.

The Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957 was signed on August 5, 1957. At the stroke of midnight on August 30, 1957, the British flag was lowered at the Selangor Club Padang (Dataran Merdeka) and the Malayan flag was raised to proclaim to the world "we are now a nation!". On Saturday, August 31, 1957, watched by 25 000 people in the Merdeka Stadium, Tunku Abdul Rahman read the Proclamation of Independence and then raised his hand and shouted 'MERDEKA!", seven times and the crowd responded proudly." 

Click here to see the video on the  1957 in my heart: lowering of the Union Jack ! 

The mile-long Selangor UMNO-MCA Alliance procession leaves the Selangor Club Padang on its way to the Istana Kuala Lumpur, to present a petition to the Sultan seeking his support for the Alliance party's demands on federal elections. (July 8, 1954)

A large crowd of women waiting to vote at a polling station (July 27, 1955)

The final signing ceremony of the Federation of Malaya Constitutional conference which took place at Lancaster House, London (February 8, 1956)

The independence agreement signed by the Malayan team led by Tunku Abdul Rahman and the British team led by the secretary of state for the colonies in London. (February 8, 1956)

The British flag is lowered and the Malayan flag raised as part of the merdeka rally at the Selangor Club Padang. (August 31, 1957)

Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaiming independence for Malaya at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, after reading the declaration. (August 31, 1957)

Acknowledgement

References: 

Khoo, K.K. (ed.). (2008).  Golden national days of Malaysia  (1957-2007) . Kuala Lumpur : ALF Promotions.

Mohd. Reduan Haji Asli. (2008).  Pemberontakan bersenjata komunis di Malaysia  (2nd ed.). Kuala Lumpur : Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. 

Moore, J. (1967).  The story of Malaya and Singapore . Singapore : Donald Moore Press.

Moore, W.K. (2004).  Malaysia : A pictorial history 1400-2004 .  Kuala Lumpur : Archipelago Press.

Moorhead, F. J. (1957).  A history of Malaya and her neighbours . London : Longmans, Green & Co.

Morris, M. (1955).  A history of Malaya for schools . Singapore : University of London Press.

Nazaruddin Hj Mohd Jali, Ma'rof Redzuan, Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah & Ismail Hj Mohd Rashid. (2009).  Malaysian studies : nationhood and citizenship . Petaling Jaya : Prentice-Hall.

News Straits Times Press. (2007).   Road to nationhood : Malaysia the formative years  (1941-1966) . Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : NSTP Publication Centre.

Salleh Hussain. (1986).  A history of Malaysia 1945-1981 : British Military administration to Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Muhammad . Kuala Lumpur : Malayan German Society. 

Shamsiah Muhamad, Mahfuzah Yusuf, Noriah Jusoh, Yatimah Rimun, Saemah Moktar, Sulasteri Abd Hamid, …Anizah Mohamed (Eds.).(2007).  Citra merdeka 1957-2007 : buku terbitan khas sempena sambutan hari kemerdekaan ke-50 tahun 2007 . Kuala Lumpur : Arkib Negara Malaysia. The Star Online.  1957 in my heart: lowering of the Union Jack . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g5nuvR2IAM

Wong, F. L.(1965).  New Malaysian history . Kuala Lumpur : Geetha. 

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Meaning of Merdeka in multicultural Malaysia: Reflections from a Cologne playground

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Merdeka means freeing ourselves not only from colonialism but also the noxious sentiments preventing us from becoming one community. Azmil Tayeb reflects. 

It is a cool breezy evening at the tail end of summer, a much welcome respite from the oppressive heatwave that has been sweeping through Europe in recent months. 

I sit with my friend at a park in Cologne as we watch over his 16-month-old daughter Ella tumbling around in the sandpit. She seems to be completely at ease with other children in the sandpit, most of whom look different from her. Among them are a girl of Turkish descent, a boy who is with a Ghanaian mother and another boy whose parents are from the Indian subcontinent. Ella, meanwhile, is white.

The sight of playing children with diverse backgrounds in the sandpit spurs me to reflect on the meaning of multiculturalism in Malaysia as I spend the Merdeka anniversary in the land of bratwurst and schnitzel. 

What is the reality of a multicultural society in present-day Malaysia after 62 years of independence? More crucially, why are we still plagued by stubbornly intractable ethno-religious issues that divide and sow distrust and suspicion among in our multi-ethnic society?

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Merdeka, in essence, signified freedom and liberation, the unfettered opportunity for reinvention of self and the charting of a new destiny into the unknown future. 

Fast-forward 62 years: To what extent has Malaysia reinvented itself and charted a new destiny that unshackles it from the demons of its past? 

It is, of course, a rhetorical question. We are well aware that Malaysia has progressed by leaps and bounds in economic and material development terms. But when it comes to ethnic and religious relations it is as if nothing substantive has changed in the decades following independence.

One reason for the cleavages found in post-independence Malaysian society has been the ethnic-based politics practised by the major ethnic groups represented by the component parties in the erstwhile Barisan Nasional government. 

The wave of Islamic resurgence that hit Malaysia in the late 1970s and the early 1980s further worsened communal rifts as religious and ethnic identities became inextricably intertwined. 

This was also the period that saw the ascendancy of the ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy) ideology that sets the Malays above other ethnic groups. 

Instead of coming together with a shared history and a common destiny, post-independence Malaysia ends up coming apart as sectarian politics shapes the order of the day.

On 9 May 2018 concerned Malaysians had enough of the Barisan Nasional government and voted for an unprecedented change. For many, the changing of the guard represents the hope and potential for a sweeping social transformation that can finally move the country beyond the narrow, acrimonious ethno-religious politics of the past six decades. In other words, the outcome of the 2018 general election gives us a second chance for self-reinvention and the charting of a new destiny. 

Alas, more than a year after the historic election, clearly not much has changed when it comes to combating the toxic influence of ethno-religious issues in Malaysian politics. If anything, the ethno-religious situation has arguably worsened since the 2018 general election. 

From the controversy over the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination to the Seafield temple riots to the Jawi/khat fiasco, ethno-religious politics is still alive and kicking in the “new” Malaysia. 

Nagathisan Katahenggam writes that as soon as the euphoria of “Malaysia Baru” ended, ethno-centric rhetoric again reared its ugly head as it has been deeply embedded within society and has not yet been exorcised. 

Kenneth Lee, meanwhile, laments that this ethno-religious divide remains a stumbling block toward realising a truly harmonious multi-ethnic Malaysia in the post-2018 general election era. This is mainly due to unscrupulous politicians exploiting emotionally driven ethno-religious issues to further their political agendas. 

While the current political elites might still be mired in the old ethno-religious politics, what can we ordinary Malaysians do to reinvent the country in a form that genuinely celebrates diversity, namely by cultivating empathy and respect for political, ethnic or religious differences? 

One way is through the education system. Khoo Kok Heong argues that, instead of using the Chinese vernacular schools as a punching bag and seeing them as an impediment to national unity, Malaysians should appreciate the diversity of educational opportunities available. This is especially so in these vernacular schools, which have become more multi-ethnic over the years. In other words, national public schools are no longer the sole driver for national integration and inter-ethnic harmony. 

Nurfarhana Che Awang, however, places the failure to foster a sense of inter-ethnic unity in schools squarely on the woeful implementation of the national educational philosophy (falsafah pendidikan negara) at the school level – despite the inclusive and tolerant character of this philosophy. She contends that schools, in particular teachers and principals, should do more to cultivate inter-ethnic understanding among impressionable pupils. 

That said, studies have shown that more inter-ethnic interactions would lead to more tolerance and less prejudice. Lee Hwok-Aun’s analysis of five national surveys on ethnic relations in Malaysia shows that while most Malays and Chinese tend to have friends only from their own respective ethnic groups, the majority of them do prefer to live in ethnically mixed neighbourhoods (pdf file). 

If people are given the chance to know and understand others who are “different” from them in a safe and non-judgemental environment – whether in schools, residential areas or workplaces – it would reduce the likelihood of inflammatory ethno-religious issues gaining traction in a multicultural society like Malaysia. 

So let this Merdeka Day be the time to liberate our minds from the stranglehold of ethnic and religious prejudices. Let it encourage us to find common ground amidst our diversity. Merdeka means freeing ourselves not only from the clutches of colonialism but also from the noxious sentiments preventing us from becoming one community. 

Let this be the day when we learn to develop empathy and openness for those who are different from us. Let us focus on and put into practice universal values that see a fellow being as part of the great humanity, unencumbered by differences in skin colour, religion, gender and sexual orientation. All of us bleed red after all. 

Watching the toddlers in the Cologne playground makes me realise that ideal multicultural life is possible when it is not tainted by deep-seated values of prejudices and bigotry learned over the years. We can surely learn a lot from the innocence of children playing in a sandpit. 

With that, Happy Merdeka Day, Malaysia! 

• Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
• Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
• Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
• Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
• Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

The British Empire system was to Rule & Divide. Today in Malaysia this is still being implemented and followed. Go check on the Orang Asli in deep rural parts of East & West Malaysia. They are not sure of the real fruit & meaning of Merdeka… Some might still be thinking they are under the British Union Jack.

Germany uses MMP electoral system which is fairer, inclusive and proportional. How has MMP help Germany to achieve better national unity?

You can disregard my comments like the proud Anglos bloggers did But the truth is Arabs have sacrificed yet to receive such hatred is sad

If there was the wave of Islamic resurgence in the 1970s, 80s, then why did the 1990s, 2000s celebrate pan Asian celebrities, rap groups and western lifestyle. Or is it simply trying to blame Islam, Arabs for current situations – as they’re the sacrificial lamb.

Many Malaysians share the same Haplogroup O and the religion is one And I believe Istana Kampung Glam and Arabs has become history So the blame it on Arabs should stop as they have been extinguished

http://lovelymemoir.blogspot.com/2018/07/say-it.html

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What Does Merdeka Day Mean to You, Malaysia?

To many, Merdeka Day has become just another public holiday or a day to party. To my mind, the Merdeka month is a fitting time to raise patriotism and a sense of loyalty and pride for the country, especially among the younger generation, although often enough, we let that opportunity slip through our hands.

For as long as I can remember, our Merdeka Day celebrations centered on parades. In Kuala Lumpur, it would be in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, taking advantage of Dataran Merdeka for the field display. And unfortunately, I was either not in town on every Merdeka Day holiday, or I was too busy over something that I missed to witness the parade.

Due to some political issues that happened in the country for the past few years, things changed. Apparently, Merdeka Day is no more a celebration for Malaysians minus politics and emotions like how it was before.

As a Malaysia citizen, I am longing for a better country and am making use of the slogan ‘1 Malaysia’ where we are really stand together as one. Let’s make every day a Merdeka Day!

Happy 55th Merdeka Day to all Malaysian citizens and last but least, I love you, Malaysia.

written by eva_eva on 2012-08-31 #lifestyle #malaysia #country #patriotism #lomography #independence-day #analogue-lifestyle #1malaysia #merdeka-day #55th

jazzgarden , nebulasixty , eva_eva , shind , xephryrus , tomkiddo , adi_totp , guitarleo , cutebun , ripsta , isuhanas & vicker313 .

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Malaysia Carnival 2022

Diplomat magazine discusses culture with Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Ambassador Zakri Jaafar

Can you tell our readers a little bit about the history of Malaysia Carnival? For how many years has this been taking place? How did it begin?

The Malaysia Carnival returns in 2022 following a hiatus for the past few years due to the health pandemic. This Carnival is an annual event that was initiated almost 20 years ago to bring Malaysians together, as well as to share our culture, food, warmth and hospitality to the UK public and our friends from the diplomatic corps and the international community. In the past, the Carnival was usually held during the months of August and September and was called the ‘Merdeka’ Carnival to coincide with the celebrations of Malaysia’s Independence Day, which falls on 31 August, and Malaysia Day, which falls on 16 September. We decided to move the Carnival earlier this year to take advantage of the summer weather.  (As you can see from the photos, the 2019 Carnival was a rather rainy affair!)

  What can attendees expect to see and experience at Malaysia Carnival?

 The Carnival is a whole day event from 10am to 5pm. There will be many stalls selling a variety of Malaysian cuisines - from the famous nasi lemak, roti canai, laksa, satay and much more, to and everyone’s favourite Malaysian drink, teh tarik. Everyone is invited to enjoy the warm summer weather and Malaysian food and delicacies. There will also be stalls selling Malaysian products such as food from Malaysia, traditional attire such as the ‘Kebaya Nyonya’ outfits, Malaysian crafts and many other products.

Apart from that, Malaysian cultural performances such as the ‘Tarian Joget’ dance, Sabah Traditional Dances, and the Malaysian martial art of ‘Silat’ will be performed. There will also be a live band, singing performances, and a fashion show.

Interested visitors are invited take part in the many activities at the event such as games for both adults and children, a play area for children, dancing and singing. There will also be a raffle with great prizes such as hotel stays, return airline tickets to Malaysia, electronic items, and much more.

Malaysia Carnival seems to be a classic case of soft power and cultural diplomacy. What can a cultural event like this do for Malaysia and Malaysia-UK relations?

At the heart of it, diplomacy is about making friends and building connections. Cultural diplomacy is part of this, and an event such as this allows us to showcase the best of Malaysia to our UK hosts and friends.

The Carnival, which combines the many aspects of cultural diplomacy, not only helps promote Malaysian food and culture, but also provides opportunities to learn more about Malaysian businesses and promote Malaysia’s tourism sector to the UK public in general.

The Carnival, which combines the many aspects of cultural diplomacy, not only helps promote Malaysian food and culture, but also provides opportunities to learn more about Malaysian businesses and promote Malaysia’s tourism sector to the UK public

People-to-people contacts help to solidify and maintain these warm relations between our two countries, and creates a positive domino-effect that translates into tangible cooperation, whether at the political level through government-government interactions, or to sectors such as trade, investment, tourism and education

Will there be mostly Malaysian attendees or some British and other nationals too? What are the direct consequences of people-to-people contacts?

Everyone is invited and welcomed to the Malaysia Carnival.  We have promoted this event widely to the local community and through our networks.

Malaysia and the UK have a long history together. We have strong and friendly relations, the UK remains a preferred destination for Malaysian tourists and students, and we share many of the same systems and values. People-to-people contacts help to solidify and maintain these warm relations between our two countries, and creates a positive domino-effect that translates into tangible cooperation, whether at the political level through government-government interactions, or to sectors such as trade, investment, tourism and education.

In your experience, what is it about Malaysian culture that is best received by visiting guests to an event like this, or even when visiting Malaysia?

Our hospitality. Malaysians are warm and open people. We love guests and visitors – whether it is to our events, or when they visit our country. We want everyone to feel welcomed and at home, and we will do our best to make them comfortable.

What other cultural items/events do you have on the programme at the High Commission over the next 12 months and beyond?

The High Commission hosted an exhibition by Her Majesty Queen Azizah of The Royal Pahang Weave this past May as part of the 2022 London Craft Week. It was a highly successful exhibition where we welcomed over 2,000 visitors to the High Commission over the course of the week, including Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, The Duchess of Gloucester, members of the UK government, the diplomatic corps in London, visitors from the fashion and textile industries, and the general public. Her Majesty Queen Azizah intends to participate again in next year’s London Craft Week.

Malaysia will also be continuing our annual participation in the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) Expo in London this November. For the event this year, a number of cultural and activities are being planned to be showcased at the Expo.

The High Commission has further been invited again this year to participate in the Commonwealth Fair on 12 November at Kensington Town Hall. The High Commission is expecting to raise funds for charity by selling Malaysian cuisines and delicacies, as well as Malaysian arts and craft at the fair. Malaysian dances and songs are also expected to be performed at the fair.

The various Malaysian students’ associations throughout the UK are also very active, and many will organise their annual ‘Malaysian Night’ cultural events at their respective varsities and institutions, and these usually take place in the months of February and March.  In addition, the Malay Language and Culture Society (MALECS) will host ‘Rainbow of Cultures,’ which is an annual event that celebrates the diverse cultural background of the Malaysian community. This fun and entertaining event features Malaysian culture, from performances, to art, food, and fashion shows. The High Commission is very supportive of these events and will continue to support them in the future.

How will you highlight 65 years of Malaysia’s Independence this summer?

The Carnival is the first step. We have other activities that are being planned, and we hope to announce these soon, including our National Day reception, and a number of community activities.

Malaysia Carnival 2022 is taking place on Saturday 2 July at the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre, Brickendonbury, Herford SG13 8NL, 10am to 5pm.

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7 Things M’sians Remember About Celebrating Merdeka In School

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As August comes around, Malaysians will know that this month means only one thing…

It’s Bulan Kemerdekaan!

In conjunction with the Merdeka celebrations happening throughout the month, we decided to take a walk down memory lane to reminisce the things we used to enjoy about Bulan Kemerdekaan back in school.

1. Merdeka parade

Regardless of whether you tirelessly practiced and participated in the actual parade OR just watched it on television, the parade played a BIG role in our lives.

This is because at one point or another, we all had to write that “Sambutan Hari Merdeka”essay for our Bahasa Melayu karangan .

2. Singing Jalur Gemilang

One of the obvious signs it was Merdeka month was when your school would start playing the Jalur Gemilang song or the Keranamu Malaysia song every day during the morning assembly.

You’re even more of a champion if you remember the Jalur Gemilang RTM music video which flashed scenes of Datuk M. Magendran and N. Mohandas picture conquering Mount Everest as well as Dato’ Azhar Mansor completing his solo sail around the world mission.

3. Merdeka month competitions

Do you remember those poster competitions our schools used to have every year?

EVERY YEAR, EVERYONE would paint a huge hibiscus flower with the Petronas Twin Towers standing in the background.

Some schools also had choral speaking competitions, which we would participate in ( only to skip class ).

Or a Merdeka day dress-up competition.

We Malaysians just love dressing up. How else could we have made sure that Penang tailor could make up to 1,000 Merdeka costumes a year.

(Although we are sad to inform you that new rules state that the Malaysian flag cannot be altered into clothing anymore– a new rule that came into effect in 2021.)

READ MORE: You Can Technically Go To Jail For Breaking These ‘Jalur Gemilang’ Rules

4. Merdeka art

We’re talking about those art projects which had us collecting recyclables to be made into some form of Merdeka artwork.

For example, there was this school in Sabah that painted hundreds of plastic bottles in the Jalur Gemilang colours. They then strung them together and made them float in the sea in the shape of our beloved flag.

5. Class decorations

It was the only time of the year when we actually cared how our class looked ( most probably because it was part of some competition also la).

6. School-level Merdeka day celebrations

Besides celebrating our patriotism, the best part of the day was…. TO SKIP CLASS !

And to dress up in our traditional clothes ( we’d never pass up the chance to NOT WEAR our school uniforms! ).

7. Merdeka day babies

Who here was born on august 31st.

Do you remember how the principal would call several lucky kids to come up on stage during perhimpunan ?

Those kids would get special gifts AND the chance to blow out candles and cut a Merdeka cake since their birthday fell on Hari Merdeka.

BONUS: 8. Gula-gula Bendera

Despite the not-so-great taste, EVERYONE wanted one of these. #FOMO

So what do you remember from your National Day celebration back when you were in school?

Share your thoughts with us on TRP’s  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram .

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Merdeka Safely: 6 Indoor & Outdoor Activities To Celebrate

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In pre-COVID-19 times, we would most likely spend our National Day holiday by watching the Merdeka parade. This entails soaking in the roar of the army tanks, the immaculate footwork of the march past, and the adoration of the crowd. Being at the centre of the live Merdeka parade was an event two years ago, but sadly, due to COVID-19, we’re now stuck indoors.

Except for  fully-vaccinated individuals  living in states under the second and third phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), who are allowed to travel within the state, most of us are still stuck at home. Next week’s Merdeka might not be the holiday that we’re used to, but that just means we need to get more creative in what we do to celebrate. There are many ways we can relive the glory of Merdeka indoors. 

To cater for those who are stuck at home and those who have the freedom to venture outdoors, here’s a list of six great ways you can celebrate Merdeka 2021 and even Malaysia Day in September. 

1. Go for an overdue day trip or staycation

Those of you who are fully vaccinated and living in states like Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Penang, Sabah, Terengganu, Perlis, Sarawak and Labuan, good news for you!  With the relaxation of SOPs , you can now go on that long overdue day trip and dine-in in restaurants and cafes. 

But before you do, dig through our archives to find some inspiration for your trip — from  cafes you need to try in Penang to  solo travel guides . Perhaps it’s also time to visit the beach for a swim or  catch the sunset  while savouring the food from a  beachfront restaurant.  

If you have the budget and time, consider extending your day trip to a  staycation  instead. That way, you can have a wonderful time celebrating Merdeka while helping out the hotel and tourism industry. Take your family to  glamping spots  in Pahang and Sabah if you’re still worried about crowds, and soak in the goodness of nature. There are indeed many things to do with this newfound freedom, so make sure it doesn’t go to waste! 

2. Cook a scrumptious Malaysian feast  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mendy Tan (@mendy.tan)

One of the things we look forward to on public holidays are the grand meals that we get to experience in restaurants or meals that come with the festivities. Still, a pandemic doesn’t mean we can’t have them — it just means that we’ll have to do more of the work ourselves. These  time-honoured tastes and aromas  might be precisely what you need this Malaysia day to enjoy your time and savour your tastebuds together with your family. 

Or, for a more patriotic twist, replicate the Malaysian flag on your pizza! Inspired by  Chef Zam , this home chef shows us that making patriotic pizzas that taste delicious need not be so complicated. Plus, this quick meal packs all the proper nutrients to make it a complete one.

So, roll up those sleeves, and do some experimenting in the kitchen!

3. Host an online local movie night 

Cinemas may still be closed, but this shouldn’t hamper you from watching movies together with your loved ones. This Merdeka day, huddle up online and binge on epic Merdeka-themed movies that are guaranteed to unleash the spirit of patriotism. Some can be found online via the popular movie streaming portal, Netflix. 

You can catch timeless Merdeka movies like the heartfelt  Mukhsin , relish the elitism of the Malaysia Special Force Naval unit in  Paskal , or admire picturesque Desaru through the romantic comedy, All Because of You .

4. Ring in new traditions for the young and old

Maybe you’re at home with young children, all lively and full of energy, constantly looking for activities that’ll entertain them enough to get you through till bedtime. Psychologist Jennifer Katzenstein recommends  creating new traditions as, “traditions provide a sense of stability and family engagement, as well as personal meaning that can be carried forth from year to year.”

For Merdeka, perhaps a new tradition could be to play traditional Malaysian games. Bring out the  congkak ,  guli,  and  Batu Seremban  and enjoy a game with your family and friends.

5. Play online escape games with your friends

Can’t play physical games with your friends this lockdown? How about playing online escape games, like the one offered by  Breakout Malaysia  that promises to bring the escape room excitement and fun to you. 

Experience a search and rescue mission from the perspective of a team of hackers, so gather your friends and try to solve the puzzles in 60 minutes and locate a missing person in real-time. Prefer to play solo instead? Here’s a  list of online escape games  that will keep you entertained this holiday.

6. Dream wonderful dreams of the future

Last and most definitely not least, remember that this pandemic won’t be forever and we’ll go back to visiting restaurants, travelling, and meeting our friends and family soon enough. For those of you who are still stuck indoors, why not get ready for it, though? Whether it’s a to-do list, a mood board, or a family meeting to talk it out, we could all use some inspiration and a little more hope now. 

Perhaps you’ve heard of ‘ revenge travel ’ that’s happening in the US, so why not prepare for it earlier? Look at travel books or  travel ideas online  on where best to travel post-COVID-19, and we guarantee you you’ll get there one day.

While nothing can take the place of a live Malaysia Independence Day telecast, follow our tips and this year’s  Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan  will be an intimate affair loaded with good memories. Zafigo wishes you  Selamat Hari Merdeka ke-64 !

Melissa is a trainee mental health counsellor, wellness consultant and copywriter passionate about cultivating a healthy lifestyle through everyday self-care and mental wellness. She enjoys diving deep into topics such as productivity, mindfulness, wellness, spirituality, and personal finance. She is also a yogi.

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5 Memories Every Malaysian Has Of Merdeka Month During Their School Years

Merdeka school memories 

Our school day memories are the most fun one we had, especially when festive seasons are around the corner. When Merdeka comes around, not only is the Jalur Gemilang flying high from the corridors to the classrooms, we’re also prepping for cultural performances and contests. To take you on a trip down memory lane, we’ve compiled 5 memories every Malaysian has of Merdeka month during their school years.

1. Joining Merdeka-special contests

If there’s one thing most of us can remember doing in school during August, it’s joining Merdeka contests to put us in a patriotic mood . Whether you have a way with words to write a heartfelt pantun or have a creative knack for crafting something original, there’s always a contest suited for students to participate in.

These Merdeka-themed contests not only provide a creative avenue for us to express ourselves, but they’re also a way for us to share our thoughts on the rich tapestry of culture and tradition that Malaysia has to offer.

Whether it’s building a replica of the Petronas Twin Towers out of everyday household items or drawing our national flag, joining competitions encapsulated the spirit of patriotism during our schooling days. Plus, let’s not forget the exhilaration of winning enticing prizes, which inspired us to put our best feet forward.

2. Singing along to Merdeka songs at patriotic assemblies

Whether you’re a talented singer or not, singing along to Merdeka songs at patriotic assemblies is something we all remember from our schooling days. Besides the customary chime of the school bell, the arrival of August heralds a plethora of patriotic songs reverberating through the PA system during recess time and just before the start of school.

Many of us will fondly recall the joy of skipping classes to partake in the Merdeka assembly. These assemblies is where we got to sing along to patriotic songs such as Jalur Gemilang and Tanggal 31  with students from every academic year, and watch as the national flag is raised. 

3. Decorating classrooms with patriotic decorations

While gotong-royong can be quite a tedious event no kid looks forward to, decorating the classroom with patriotic decorations stands as a must-do tradition during the Merdeka month in school.

Teachers would prompt us to contribute something symbolic of Merdeka, such as a personal artistic creation or a simple sticker bearing our national flag to bedeck the classroom,

While it often required an extensive amount of effort to spruce up our classrooms, there’s no denying the sense of accomplishment and teamwork that comes along with the task. Our efforts paid off when we got to witness the walls of our classrooms becoming a canvas for the different state flags in our country, accompanied by posters of engaging information about our prime ministers or our nation’s history.

4. Donning your best Merdeka attire for cultural performances

Donning your best Merdeka attire for cultural performances stands out as one of the best events in school during the Merdeka month.

We got to dress up in fun Merdeka-themed attire for the array of cultural performances for Merdeka.

W hether it’s being draped in the hues of our national flag, or creatively fashioning it into a dress, baju kurung, or tudung,  it was a fun time for students as we got to ditch our usual school uniforms to don these costumes.

5. Visiting landmarks in our country

Celebrating Merdeka in school is fun, but it doesn’t stop within our school walls. The Merdeka month also opens the door for us to visit landmarks in our country, through L awatan Sambil Belajar organised by the school or a particular curriculum club – which many of us would recall trying to persuade our parents to allow us to join, so we could enjoy the experience with our friends.

Be it visiting the Fire and Rescue Station to meet abang bomba, or exploring historical landmarks such as Muzium Negara or Petrosains, we looked forward to this as it allowed us to step out of the classroom during the Merdeka month.

Nostalgic Merdeka memories from our school days

As we reflect on our time in school, we often recall the days when festivities were upon us as they let us take a break from our daily school routines. The month of August was especially fun for many of us, with the spirit of Merdeka in the air and themed events that let us come together with our friends to celebrate the country. 

For more Merdeka reads, check out our 10 popular Merdeka songs and these 11 Merdeka deals this 2023.

Cover image adapted from: PSS SK Taman Cendana, Pengetua SMK Jasin, Penang Free School

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English Teacher & Tech Enthusiast

[PDF] SPM Mini Writing Module (Part 1: Short Communicative Messages)

Good morning! Sorry for disappearing. I was quite busy with a lot of things the past few months. I hope everyone’s doing well despite the current pandemic.

Today I’d like to share part 1 of a mini writing module I made for my students. This handout is printer-friendly and consists of 4 pages: 1 sample question, 1 sample answer with answering tips, 2 practice questions and 2 self-check checklists. I will upload part 2 and part 3 a bit later.

** When awarding marks, do remember that the expected performance level for Paper 2, Part 1 is A2. They’re not expected to come up with colourful idioms or flowery expressions at this level.

Download the file below: SPM Mini Writing Module Part 1 (12542 downloads )

3 thoughts on “ [PDF] SPM Mini Writing Module (Part 1: Short Communicative Messages) ”

hi teacher adlina i found mini writing module in your website but it seems like i couldn’t view or download it. i really hope i could see the content. can u please share the module?

hi teacher, i couldn’t download the pdf

I couldn’t download the file….can you help me…?

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