By William Citrin
Malaysia is a melting pot of races and religions. The calendar here is full of celebrations, as each ethnic and religious group has their own unique festivals which they celebrate separately.
But one holiday which compels all
Malaysians – regardless of colour or creed
– to come together and celebrate is Hari
Merdeka (Independence Day) which takes
place annually on 31 August.
Every year at the stroke of midnight on 31 August, Malaysians from all walks of life gather together in Merdeka Square in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, in open public spaces around the country and in their homes around televisions to watch the spectacular fireworks and share in the feeling of national pride and unity. In 2011, Malaysia commemorates its 54th year of independence, or “merdeka” as it is referred to in the Malay language. The word “merdeka” is derived from the Sanskrit term “Maharddhika” which translates as “rich, prosperous, and powerful” and was traditionally used in the Malay Archipelago to refer to a freed slave. The term came to prominence in the Malay vernacular during the pro-independence movements in Southeast Asia as a rallying cry against colonial oppression. Without firing a single shot, Malayans gained their independence from over 100 years of British rule on 31 August 1957 after a series of prolonged negotiations in London between colonial administrators and a delegation of Malayan political leaders – led by Tunku Abdul Rahman (who would become the Federation of Malaya’s first Prime Minister). On the eve of the declaration of independence in 1957, a massive and euphoric crowd congregated at the Royal Selangor Club cricket pitch in Kuala Lumpur to witness the formal handing over of power from the British to the Malayans. At midnight, the Union Jack was lowered and the flag of Malaya was raised while the national anthem for this new federation, entitled “Negaraku”, blared in the background. The next morning, over 20,000 citizens of the newly-minted Federation of Malaysia gathered in Merdeka Stadium to watch the formal ceremony during which Tunku Abdul Rahman received the instrument of independence and read the “Proclamation of Independence” which culminated in him calling out the word “Merdeka” seven times. The echoes of Tunku Abdul Rahman’s exclamation can still be heard today, as Malaysians proudly shout that magical word on 31 August every year, reminding them of their forefathers’ struggle for independence and the national pride which unites them. On 16 September 1963, the states of Malaya merged with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore to form “Malaysia” (Singapore later left the federation in 1965). Since 2010, this day – “Malaysia Day” – has been designated as a public holiday to celebrate the formation of the nation. But Merdeka Day still retains a prominent place in the hearts and minds of Malaysians. On 31 August, look outside your window and see the breathtaking fireworks illuminating the sky, listen to the cries of “Merdeka” echoing through the night and you will feel the magic of Merdeka. |
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