Recognising excellence: Sultan Nazrin (sixth from left) posing for a group photo with Yee (second from left) as well as Rivai (third from left), Merican (fourth from left), Abdul Samad (sixth from right), Jomo (fifth from right), Pereira (fourth from right), Abu Bakar (third from right) and Muhammad Taufik (second from right) during the 2024 Merdeka Award in Kuala Lumpur. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: With National Day but a few days away, six influential individuals have been conferred the prestigious Merdeka Award as recognition for their efforts in fostering a national culture of excellence and patriotism in various fields.
This year’s categories comprise Education and Community; Environment; Health, Science and Technology; Outstanding Scholastic Achievement; and Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia.
The recipients were presented their awards by Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who also serves as the Merdeka Award Trust (MAT) royal patron and chairman, in a ceremony held at a hotel here last night.
The Education and Community award was won by legendary novelist Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Samad Mohamed Said and Datuk Dr Faridah Merican, the First Lady of Malaysian theatre.
Abdul Samad was hailed for his multifaceted contributions to Malay literature encompassing novels, poetry, essays, dramas and performing arts since his famous 1961 novel Salina.
Faridah was lauded for having pioneered the nation’s performing arts scene to drive both social and cultural awareness as well as advocacy in her 60-year career.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Prof Joy Jacqueline Pereira was the Environment winner for her extensive research on climate change while fostering international collaborations to safeguard environments and communities.
The Health, Science and Technology category was awarded to former director-general of health Tan Sri Abu Bakar Suleiman, who was cited for his continued dedication to shaping healthcare policies and initiatives towards equitable and quality healthcare for all Malaysians even after his retirement.
The Outstanding Scholastic Achievement award went to economist Prof Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram for his expert contributions and advice in addressing economic developmental issues both locally and worldwide.
Etania Schools founder Dr Kathryn Anne Rivai won the Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia award for her dedication to providing education access to the underprivileged and stateless children in Sabah.
The Anugerah Harapan Merdeka award was bestowed on Ian Yee Ngan Fui – Star Media Group’s former deputy executive editor who headed The Star’s award-winning R.AGE investigative team – for his unwavering push for investigative journalism among youth through various impactful multimedia documentaries and public action campaigns against social injustice.
PETRONAS president, group chief executive officer and MAT board member Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz commended the recipients for their efforts in inspiring the next generation towards a better Malaysia.
“The tireless efforts and the extraordinary achievements of these Merdeka Award recipients have drawn the attention of the world to issues that warrant our urgent action.
“Their zeal and determination have now helped accelerate our collective progress in addressing these challenges.
“These inspiring individuals personify the spirit of ‘Merdeka’ that continues to embolden generations of Malaysians in our pursuit of progress and excellence towards a sustainable future,” he said in his speech at the event.
Established in 2007 by PETRONAS and Shell, the Merdeka Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of excellent individuals or organisations who contributed to the nation’s growth or enkindled a sense of national pride in the people.
A total of 70 individuals and organisations have received the Merdeka Award since 2008.
Merdeka Award recipients are accorded a trophy, certificate of recognition and cash reward, while the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka recipient gets a certificate of recognition and cash reward.
