From left: Danish Ghazali, Zulaikha Zulkepli, Pavithra Selvarajah and Khiew Che Leong.
KUALA LUMPUR: They may be beginning to lead an independent life decades after the country attained independence, but the significance of today’s date is not lost on these young Malaysians.
To them, Aug 31 is not just a public holiday but a day that reflects the magnitude of living in a free country due to the efforts of the nation’s forefathers.
As Malaysia marks 68 years of independence, they shared their hopes for greater unity and better opportunities to shape the nation’s future.
“This is a day to remind all races about the freedom and rights the country fought for,” said human resources student Zulaikha Zulkepli, 24.
“I’m proud to be Malaysian because of the diverse culture and languages we share.
“And our food, of course!”
She voiced hope that the country would embrace greater equality for a more harmonious life.
System engineer Alissa Farina Aidi Zamri, 27, said National Day is more than just a holiday but a reminder that freedom is the reason Malaysians live safely and move forward together.
“I’m so proud to be a Malaysian. We are rich in diversity and most importantly, we don’t get into major wars like other countries,” she said.
Alissa, who will be watching the National Day parade on TV, also said that she hoped to see better opportunities in education and improved salaries for the younger generation.
Khiew Chee Leong, 31, a service centre representative from Ipoh, recounted that he was once a performer at a marching band that took part in a National Day parade 15 years ago.
“Going for the national parade is a significant thing for all of us.
“The patriotism was instilled in me when I was young. When I was chosen to perform for the parade back then, I could see how Malaysians from every corner gathered together to celebrate the occasion,” said Khiew, who played trumpet in the band.
He hoped that more youths would take part in such activities, saying it would help them appreciate and take pride in the nation’s milestones.
His wife Michelle Ng Hor Yan, 30, said young people should take part in activities that create lasting memories about the country.
“Schools should organise and get the students involved in the national parade. This will help build patriotism in them.
“Similarly, it will emphasise to all about the country’s history of how we achieved independence, so that it is not forgotten among the younger generations. We must appreciate our country for that,” said Ng, who is an assistant manager.
Gayathiri Sathivelu, 23, who helps her mother sell flowers in Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur, said the patriotism in her had been nurtured since her school days.
“I have fond memories of celebrating in school. We wore Merdeka-themed costumes and performed with other races.”
To her, the National Day celebration means freedom to live peacefully and to “make our own choices as Malaysians”.
She hoped for better unity among all races without any discrimination.
Student Oh Tung Rui, 16, said her school’s history skits had enhanced her knowledge about Malaysia, instilling a love for the country.
“Malaysia has so much potential to grow into a stronger country with a better economy. I hope the nation will showcase more of the diversity in the country because that’s what makes us unique,” she said.
Tinesshan Gurbachan Singh, 29, a site supervisor for electricians, said Malaysians should be defined beyond racial groups.
“It would be great if more people were to learn and embrace the languages of other races. That would be a big step towards unity,” he said.
He also hoped for more job opportunities for the younger generation, as many around him have struggled to find employment after their graduation.
Pavithra Selvarajan, 26, who is from Sungai Petani, Kedah, is proud of the independence the country has achieved.
“Since we have multiple races, unity should come naturally; that’s what being Malaysian is all about,” she said, adding that unity should be nurtured even further.
Pavithra, who is unemployed, hoped that Malaysia could assist the young generation in the equality of education and employment.
