Starchild: Malaysian children are in high spirits to celebrate Merdeka Day

Chloe Leong Xizhen, 8

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ITEM: Shangri-La, is a beautiful imaginary place where everything is just perfect. Can you imagine a place like that, where people never grow old, and everyone is happy? It is like heaven on earth, where everybody is so caring and loving!

A magical land where all our wishes come true. Think of an ice cream and you would have one in your hands. If you want to have a splash in the waterfall, this too will happen.

In this happy land, how do you want to live your life? What would you do? Who do you want to meet?

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This Tuesday, Malaysia turns 64. Every Hari Merdeka has a specific theme, often also a customised logo and song. The theme for Merdeka 2021, however – Malaysia Prihatin – is the same as last year and it calls on Malaysians to continue to care for each other as the country battles against Covid-19. Caring for one another is one way we can all show our patriotism!

Did you know the word “Merdeka” means “independence” or “freedom” in both Malay and also Indonesian languages. It is derived from the Sanskrit maharddhika, which means rich, prosperous and powerful.

The Malaysia we know today actually did not come into existence until Sept 16, 1963, when Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya to form the federation of Malaysia. That is why Malaysia Day is commemorated on Sept 16 every year.

Here’s what Starchild readers had to say on the topic, Merdeka!

Debria Preethi Jeyarajah, 10 is proud to be Malaysian because she get to eat a lot of delicious traditional food. "I also like being Malaysian because there are many different celebrations. I can celebrate together with my friends from different cultural backgrounds like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and more. Most of all, I have seen Malaysians come together to help one another especially during the pandemic. This makes me proud to celebrate Hari Merdeka, which also happens to be my mom's birthday."

“There are many races in Malaysia. We have the Chinese, Indians, Malay, Eurasians, Kadazans, Ibans and lots more. I love Malaysia not only because it’s a multicultural place but also because it’s a peaceful and harmonious country,” writes Jyren Choo, seven.

Jyren Choo, 7

Eight-year-old Chloe Leong Xizhen says: “Happy Merdeka everyone! May this Merdeka be a safe and happy time. Did you know we are now celebrating our 64 years of independence since Merdeka 1957?”

Low Linjian, 9

Low Linjian, nine, is proud to be Malaysian. “We will celebrate the 64th National Day on Tuesday. Malaysia is special because we are a multiracial country. We have a variety of delicious food to eat. On top of that, we have many public holidays and Malaysians can speak at least two languages. I love my country very much.”

Wong Cheng Yang, 7

“Merdeka day falls on Aug 31 and many places fly our Jalur Gemilang on a flag pole throughout the month of August. I am proud to be a Malaysian because there are many historical places in our land. Penang is one of my favourite states. I love being a Malaysian,” writes Wong Cheng Yang, seven.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 3

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, three, says: “I love Malaysia, my beautiful home country where sweet papaya is the national fruit, horn bill is the national bird and the endangered Malayan tiger is our national animal. Happy Merdeka!”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Older sister Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six, is proud to live in Malaysia, celebrating 64 years of independence. “As our national flower, the red hibiscus speaks of many things – the colour red being a symbol of political and economic stability. The five petals representing the five principles in the Rukun Negara; and their diverse shapes, colour and sizes speak about the multicultural society of our country.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 6

“I love Malaysia because it is peaceful, and has beautiful beaches and nature,” says Claire Yap Jyn Wei, six.

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

Older sister Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight, says: “Being Malaysian means that all Malaysians can live and play happily together under one flag, which is the Jalur Gemilang.”

Wong Zhi Ying, 7

Wong Zhi Ying, seven, says: “Due to the pandemic, this year’s Merdeka celebrations will be held on a smaller scale. I hope the Covid-19 virus will disappear into space. I am proud of Malaysia, and I will fly the Jalur Gemilang on Aug 31.” - Compiled by Sheela Chandran

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