WHAT does Merdeka mean to Malaysians in 2025?
For some, it’s a reminder of our country’s beginnings. But for many young Malaysians today, it’s something more personal – the freedom to be themselves, to speak openly, to belong without having to fit in.
In putting together this year’s National Day Special, our team met with Malaysians from all walks of life, from kampung to campus grounds, and one thing stood out: unity in diversity isn’t just a national motto.
It’s something people are quietly living, every day.
We spoke to Ruhan Ravindran, a communications student from Kuantan, who told us that “Merdeka is about being able to study, connect and plan his future without fear.”
Meanwhile, GX Lew from Petaling Jaya believes that true independence begins with free thought, being able to form your views and not just following the crowd.
Their voices echo across the stories in this special.
We saw unity in action at the Gawai parades in Sarawak, where people of different backgrounds celebrated together.
We found it in mixed badminton pairs who switch between Mandarin and Malay mid-match, in Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s cultural troupe preserving heritage through dance, and in mixed marriages that bridge traditions with quiet strength.
And at Nyawa, a youth-led mental health organisation, we met passionate youths working to reshape mental healthcare in Malaysia, making it more open, inclusive and rooted in lived experiences.
These Malaysians aren’t asking for grand gestures.
They’re asking to be heard, trusted and included, not despite their differences but because of them.
This National Day, let’s listen.
Let’s honour the many ways Malaysians are already showing us how unity can be built, through compassion, mutual respect and everyday connection.
For Malaysians today, Merdeka means the freedom to live with dignity and the courage to make space for others to do the same.
Selamat Hari Kebangsaan.
