IN conjunction with the 61st Malaysia Day, we celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that unite us under the theme Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil says Jiwa Merdeka expresses the people’s liberation from any negative elements in interpreting the patriotic spirit from the intellectual, social and economic aspects, while building public unity that is strong, harmonious and progressive.
Here, eight local celebrities share with us their perspectives on Jiwa Merdeka, what Malaysia Day means to them and their hopes for our nation.
For more stories checkout the StarSpecial: Malaysia Day 2024
Bella Astillah, 30, singer-actress
Bella Astillah — Photos: Instagram
To me, Jiwa Merdeka means gathering as one Malaysia.
Growing up in Sabah, where there are many ethnic groups, Malaysia Day means a lot to me.
Each year during this celebration, my family and I will gather together for dinner, and I will tell my kids what this celebration means and the importance of it.
I will also go to Malaysia Day events and interact with people of different races.
Now that we are in 2024, I hope we can leave racism behind.
We have to be close to each other and always support each other because whether you’re Chinese, Indian or Kadazan, we are all still Malaysians at the end of the day.
Uriah See, 29,singer
Uriah See
I’m proud to be Malaysian, and Malaysia Day reminds me to cherish my roots and upbringing.
On this day, I would spend time with my family, go shopping and enjoy what our country has to offer.
What makes Malaysia special is the variety of food, rich cultures and harmony of different races.
It’s rare to see three or more races living peacefully together as one elsewhere in the world.
That’s why it’s important for us to maintain it by having empathy and tolerance for each other.
Sanjna Suri, 31, model-actress
Sanjna Suri
Malaysia Day is a time for us to celebrate our Tanah Melayu becoming fully Malaysia.
On Malaysia Day, I participate in more OneMalaysia programmes to experience different cultures.
I believe immersing ourself in other cultures enriches life.
My best friends were all Chinese during my school years, and in university, I lived with six Malay girls for five years.
I also have Indian family and friends.
These experiences allowed me to learn many languages.
Joey Leong, 30,singer-actress
Joey Leong — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Malaysia Day not only highlights how far we’ve come but also serves as a reminder of the challenging journey we have endured to achieve a better future.
It’s a day when I’m reminded to say, “Terima Kasih, Tanah Airku! I love Malaysia!”
Thanks to my career, I’ve had the chance to work with Malaysians from different cultural backgrounds.
This has taught me to be more flexible and open-minded.
As I always say, “Together we’re stronger.”
We don’t need to be the same to understand one another, and none of us is more superior than the other.
Denes Kumar, 42, actor, film producer
Denes Kumar
Jiwa Merdeka symbolises unity in our multi-racial Malaysia.
While we are together every day, Malaysia Day is special as it’s one of the days where people of different races come together to mingle.
Every year, I will immerse myself in cultures different from my own.
I visit my Malay friends during Hari Raya, celebrate Chinese New Year since my wife is Chindian and put up a tree during Christmas season.
I believe we all have friends from different races, and this Malaysia Day, I hope we can come together and embrace our nation’s rich diversity.
Sam from the band Bunkface, 36, singer
Sam from Bunkface
Malaysia Day is a time for everyone of all races to come together as one.
On this day, my band and I would stage concerts to spread love and sing about unity.
I have many Indian, Chinese and Malay friends growing up, and something I learned from interacting with people of different cultural backgrounds is to be humble and understanding.
I believe we can all live in harmony as long as we understand each other and try to put ourselves in their shoes.
Wani Kayrie, 24, singer-actress
Wani Kayrie
Malaysia Day is a celebration of diversity among all Malaysians.
To celebrate this occasion, I will take my family on a holiday to other states, so they can experience different cultures.
Malaysia’s rich diversity is something I hope more people will learn to appreciate.
We have so many people of different backgrounds here, and it’s beautiful to learn about their culture.
Hael Husaini, 36,singer
Hael Husaini
Malaysia Day celebrates the peace among Malaysians.
I’m part of Astro’s “Inilah Kita” campaign, which promotes content that fosters national unity.
This Malaysia Day, I hope for harmony among all races.
One simple way to appreciate other cultures is to just enjoy their food.
Personally, I love Chinese dishes like char kuey teow and Peking duck.
