What should ‘Merdeka’ mean to us?


Friends proudly waving the Jalur Gemilang as they make their way around their village near Bako, Kuching. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

NATIONAL unity may not be high on the agenda of some politicians these days who continuously play the race and religious card – but Tunku Abdul Rahman was clear about it.

The country’s first prime minister and Bapa Malaysia championed national unity as the core strength of a multiracial nation.

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Wong Chun Wai , On the beat column
Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang and served Star Media Group for nearly four decades in various capacities and roles. He was group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. "On The Beat" debuted on Feb 23, 1997. Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for occasional press holidays when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star. He is now chairman of national news agency Bernama.

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