United in celebrating Merdeka

PUTRAJAYA, 27 Julai -- Logo rasmi Hari Kebangsaan 2018 bertemakan Sayangi Malaysiaku.Bertemakan ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku’, Putrajaya dipilih sebagai lokasi sambutan pada 31 Ogos nanti bagi meraikan kerajaan baharu pimpinan Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad di pusat pentadbiran kerajaan persekutuan itu.--fotoBERNAMA (2018) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA

WE are celebrating our upcoming 61st Merdeka Day with the theme Sayangi Malaysiaku (Love My Malaysia).

Preparations are already under way for a grand celebration, according to Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The theme, he says, celebrates and boosts the people’s love for this country.

The celebration this year is unique because we have a newly elected government, Pakatan Harapan, in place and he venue is Putrajaya, as requested by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammed.

Let us all take time to reflect on the importance of the celebration. Independence generally means freedom. In the context of a nation, it denotes freedom from a colonial master or rule by another country.

We obtained independence from Britain on Aug 31, 1957 through negotiations. Perhaps the younger generation may not understand the untiring efforts and toil of our leaders to obtain this independence unless they learnt about these struggles in their history lessons.

We proudly display the Jalur Gemilang in our homes, offices and public places and even our vehicles to show our allegiance to our beloved country. The Prime Minister recently said flying the Jalur Gemilang would strengthen the bond among Malaysians.

A few hard-core Malaysians paint their cars with the colours of the Malaysian flag and drive them around during the Merdeka period.

There are also communities who organise Merdeka prayers for the wellbeing and prosperity of the nation. Such events truly signify solidarity and unity among the participants as they will be united in prayer and supplication for the nation.

Of course, the highlight of the Merdeka celebration will be the parade not only in Putrajaya but throughout the country as well.

This is an event which we truly celebrate as Malaysians. Perhaps the Pakatan government could hold more such national events to instil patriotism for the nation.

As we celebrate our independence day, we must be prepared to go beyond our parochial and racial identity to achieve national unity. We need to think as Malaysians and citizens of one nation.

Let us all wish our nation a happy and prosperous 61st Merdeka Day. Long live Malaysia, my Malaysia.

DR S. NATHESAN

Muar