Sunday August 28, 2005
Merdeka begins in our heart and soul
By VYSIA YONG
THERE is more to Merdeka than anthems, parades and celebrations. Merdeka begins in the hearts and souls of the people.
It is only when we stop to think of how much we’ve progressed since that fateful day 48 years ago will we discover the true meaning of Merdeka.
This is especially so for the 25 Malaysian teacher trainees currently undertaking a B.Ed TESL course in The College of St Marks and St Johns, Plymouth (England). They will be celebrating a quiet Merdeka away from home.
For many, this will be their first year celebrating Merdeka abroad. Perhaps being abroad has matured us somewhat, opened our eyes to so many different perspectives, but the more we learn to see things, the more we appreciate the true meaning of the word ‘Merdeka’.
For Muhammad Munir Elyas, “Merdeka means to have and be able to practice Malaysia's own culture and way of life, and having the freedom to make our own policies without interference from other countries.”
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Merdeka means all the more to these students abroad who dress up in their traditional attire for the event. |
Mah Zhi Jian says: “It is amazing that all of us can live together in peace and harmony – regardless of the different culture, race and religion. When I meet other international students, they think that the Chinese are only from China and Indians, like Hema and Prema, are from India.
“They can hardly imagine the situation where all of us live together in Malaysia – a Malaysian Malaysia. This is what I am so proud of.”
Prema Chandra thinks that “living here as a student has made me appreciate all the things we have in Malaysia more. Instead of complaining about the country, I think it is time for all of us to realise what Malaysia has done for its people. Although I am happy living here in the UK, I can’t wait to be back in Malaysia as that is the place where my heart and soul belongs.”
Norziha Aini sums it up: “Malaysia means everything to me. Everything I do, I do for my country. I will stand up for my country, even if it means dedicating my life to it.
Keranamu Malaysia!”
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