PETALING JAYA: In a country where different races, religions and cultures come together in everyday life, some young Malaysians say the spirit of Merdeka is best felt through the simple moments that bring people closer.
A conversation over a meal, celebrating a festival or simply taking the time to understand someone from a different background can turn differences into connections.
Mohammad Hakeem Al Ikhwan Makhtar, 22, said seeing a person’s expression and hearing their tone could reveal more than a message on a screen.
“Social media makes communication easier, but sometimes messages can be misunderstood.
“Through face-to-face talk, we can understand a person’s facial expressions, tone of voice and emotions more clearly,” said the Interactive Multimedia Design student.
Beyond communication, he said freedom also came with responsibility, particularly in how people express themselves.
“Everyone has the right to have an opinion and be themselves as long as they do not hurt or oppress others,” he said.
Mohammad Faiz Azidin, also 22, shared the same view.
He said face-to-face conversations felt more genuine and could help prevent misunderstandings.
“Freedom is not only about being free to speak. We also need to respect the rights of others to have different opinions,” he added.
For him, freedom also meant being able to pursue his dreams and make his own choices without discrimination or pressure.
Chloe Lee, 21, said spending time with friends from different backgrounds helped her appreciate Malaysia’s diversity.
“We learn about each other’s traditions, food and celebrations by spending time together. Those small moments can make us feel closer.
“Unity does not mean everyone has to be the same. We can be different, but still enjoy being together and respect each other,” she said.
Naveen Kumar, 23, said talking to people from different backgrounds could help break down assumptions and strengthen understanding.
“Sometimes we make assumptions about people because we do not know them.
“When we actually talk, share experiences and listen to each other, we realise that we have many things in common.
“It does not always have to be something big. When people from different races can sit together, laugh together and celebrate together, that is already a form of muhibbah spirit,” he said.
Khairul Iman Khairul Azwan, 22, said that respect was essential to maintaining harmony despite differences.
“Everyone has different opinions, so if we want to live harmoniously, we need to respect other people’s views too,” he said.
He said Merdeka was also about having the freedom to make choices and achieve things through one’s own efforts.
Mohamad Ikhwan Hakimy Rozi, 22, said freedom also means having access to opportunities that were less accessible to earlier generations.
“The young people could now voice their views, learn from different sources, exchange ideas and use online platforms to build businesses.
“I want to be free to choose my path in education, career and life, but freedom should be used wisely, ethically and without affecting the rights of others,” he said.
