From Thomas Cup triumphs to anthems, M’sian unity lives through generations
THEY say sport has the power to unite people, and that could not be more true.
Like many others, I was cheering for M. Thinaah and Pearly Tan during their thrilling semi-final match against Japan’s Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama at the World Championships in Paris.
The moment Tan proudly pointed to the Jalur Gemilang on her jersey after their hard-fought victory, was powerful and symbolic.
When both players were embraced by their coach Rosman Razak, it created a picture-perfect moment – one that captured the spirit of unity and pride, making it a fitting image for our National Day celebrations.
Then came a wave of memories from the 1992 Thomas Cup.
For many of us, it was not just the final win over Indonesia that stood out, but the unforgettable semi-final triumph over the “Great Wall of China”.
That 3-2 victory was etched in our hearts, with the legendary Sidek brothers – Rashid, Razif and Jalani – delivering the first two crucial points.
Rashid took on the formidable Zhao Jianhua in the first singles, while Razif and Jalani battled Tian Bingyi and Li Yongbo in the first doubles.
All eyes were on Foo Kok Keong to seal the win against Wu Wenkai, but fate had other plans.
It was up to Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang in the second doubles, who overcame Zheng Yumin and Huang Zhanzhong, to send Malaysia into the final.
Despite my family’s ancestral roots tracing back to Lam Aun, a village in Fujian province of China, there was no hesitation, no divided loyalty for whom I cheered.
Thinaah (left) and Tan with supporters during the Malaysian Masters in May. — Filepic
We were all Malaysians that night – united in spirit and passion, gathered around the TV to cheer on our national team.
Every point won by the Malaysian players was met with loud shouts and fists in the air.
It was pure, unfiltered patriotism.
As a young boy, I sat with the others in our living hall rooting for Malaysia to bring home the Thomas Cup, which we last won in 1967.
We rallied behind the team – proud and loud.
For those who remember, there was the iconic “Fikirkan Boleh” song played right after the win.
An anthem of optimism and resilience, it reminded us that nothing was impossible if we dared to believe: “Jika kau fikirkan kau boleh, kau hampir boleh melakukan...” (If you believe you can, you’re already close to achieving it).
Those words were strong and meaningful, a call to persevere, to rise and to unite.
Recently, I smiled as I heard my daughters singing Saya Anak Malaysia and Tanggal 31 Ogos – classics that now echo through a new generation.
For me, the one song that truly captures the spirit of unity and harmony has always been Sejahtera Malaysia.
Nostalgic and powerful, it remains the all-time best in my heart.
I still remember being a young boy, listening to the voices of Fauziah Ahmad Daud, Azlina Aziz, Rohana Jalil, Elaine Kang and Desree harmonising with pride and purpose.
If memory serves me right, Sejahtera Malaysia would often be played at the end of TV broadcasts.
I especially remember Fauziah Ahmad Daud, partly because my mother once told me about her role in the movie Azura where she starred alongside Jamal Abdillah. Both legends in Malaysian entertainment.
As Malaysia Day approaches, I am reminded not just of history, but of the harmony and diversity that define us.
These songs and memories are more than nostalgia.
They are threads that weave us together from generation to generation.
In Malaysia, we celebrate our differences and cherish our shared identity.
As one of the lines in Sejahtera Malaysia says: “Kami rela menjaga namamu, Sejahtera Malaysia.” (We are willing to protect your name, a peaceful and prosperous Malaysia).
Happy Malaysia Day!
