Cheong (front row, third from right) flanked by deputy principals Chan Yoke Lee (on her right) and Chong Chee Keong, with students and teachers during the school’s Merdeka celebration. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
CHONG Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur, held a four-day celebration to embrace the Merdeka spirit in conjunction with the 67th National Day.
This annual event helps the school foster patriotism and national unity among its community.
School principal Cheong Moey Lian said the celebration was led by language subject teachers and students.
“The event brings together myriad activities that showcase our multicultural society.
Park Loc says he learned about the importance of teamwork.
“More importantly, it allows us to instil a sense of patriotism in our students and emphasise the importance of harmony among the diverse races in Malaysia,” she said.
“We celebrate Merdeka every year, and the celebration only grows bigger each time.
“Through both the preparations and the actual event, I hope that the students can learn about patriotism beyond textbooks and experience it through active participation in making this event a success,” Cheong said during the event launch.
In line with this year’s National Day theme of “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka”, students dressed in traditional costumes and serenaded guests, teachers and fellow students with local songs.
Their medley of songs included Terukir di Bintang, Nona-Nona Zaman Sekarang and Ayu Manis.
Guests were also invited to leave their signatures on the Merdeka backdrop, which featured the colours of the Jalur Gemilang.
The school’s Merdeka campaign included a cultural food fair and traditional games.
Theng Yue says he felt a strong sense of patriotism throughout the event.
Students were given a chance to enjoy these activities during recess periods.
Neighbouring schools were also invited to join in the happy celebration.
Student Seow Park Loc, 16, who assisted with the campaign, said he enjoyed participating in the process.
“Painting was never my strong point but I found painting the backdrop for the Merdeka launch campaign fun.
“With guidance from the teachers and members of the school’s art society, it became an enjoyable task, especially since I did it with my friends.
“It’s satisfying to see the completed work, knowing we all contributed to the project,” he said.
Park Loc noted that the teamwork involved in this simple task reflected the collective effort needed to achieve independence.
“Malaysia’s independence wasn’t achieved by one person but by the whole nation.
“Teamwork was what our forefathers demonstrated to make it happen. So, it’s important that we work together to build this nation,” he added.
Chang Theng Yue, 16, another student who also helped with the Merdeka campaign, found the experience eye-opening.
“My friends and I spent quite some time preparing for the event and drawing the backdrop for the launch.
“We’re happy that everything went smoothly and I felt a strong sense of patriotism throughout the event.
“It’s vital for us Malaysians to come together and build our country into a more developed and civilised nation,” said Theng Yue.
