By Hajeedar Abdul Majid
The fact that I was 12 years old and present on the rainy morning at Stadium Merdeka on 31st August 1957 and witnessing the 7 shouts of “Merdeka” by the first Prime Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra still reverberates in my mind, body and soul. This emotional feeling has always been a personal source of pride, humility and honour in my life.
Alhamdulillah at 78 years I am blessed by Allah SWT with the fortune of celebrating the 66th Anniversary of our National Independence on 31st August 2023.
On this occasion, I am compelled to reflect and share the journey of our country's 'freedom' as encapsulated by the 'keramat' word of M-E-R-D-E-K-A, for which every Malaysian of whatever racial origins and heritage must appreciate, protect, cherish and always uphold this precious sense of belonging and independence.
This Southeast Asian part of the world, aka the ‘Nusantara’ possesses generations of 'untold wealth' of human settlements, enriched with unique multi-cultural history and heritage which may even surpass other known regional world civilisations.
The independence of Malaya from British Colonialism in 1957 was the 'climax' of sheer commitments and efforts by our dear ancestors from diversed communities that had lived, worked, fought and managed the region for the ultimate wellbeing of its people of many ethnicities, religious beliefs, social strata and complemented by varying socio economic achievements. Much sacrifices of ‘blood, sweat and tears’ were therefore made by our predecessors.
Their noble and selfless efforts were all done through the inherent and constant spiritual belief for humane social justice, acceptance, tolerance, respect and value in our natural differences and integration for common unity and true survival of people and nation.
The fact that my police officer father Abdul Majid Ismail, was the Liaison Officer involved in drafting the Constitution of Malaya with the Reid Commission (1956-1957) together with other civil servants, such as Abdul Kadir Shamsuddin, gave me further reason to appreciate and respect our nation in fond memories of their discreet ‘invaluable’ contributions. It is therefore appropriate that we remember and extend our posthumous gratitude to them all.
In the last 66 years and within the spirit of the Federal Constitution of Malaya 1957 and Rukun Negara 1970 the country has progressively benefited via ten (10) leaderships with varying socio-economic achievements reflecting the respective dynamic local and global circumstances and ‘expectations’. The challenge today is no different and yet the ‘objectives and solutions’ must be innovative, constructive, positive, reflecting the new norms.
Throughout my life, all my aspirations and actions have been motivated and inspired towards elevating in whatever ‘small ways’ towards achieving the harmonious wellbeing of our diversed people and country.
Alhamdulillah, I was at Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara over the last weekend with about 100 participants for a Sketching Competition to document the relationship of the two historic buildings with the new iconic Merdeka Tower 118, deemed to be the world's second tallest building ..., yet another fitting milestone for Malaysia's 66 years journey since Merdeka in 1957.
It was a most nostalgic moment when I stood at the very spot at the stadium in 1957, which brought much memories and reflections of growing up, living amongst my multiracial schoolmates at Pasar Road English School, Victoria Institution and the exposure to diverse social activities, art and hobbies. These childhood experiences had evolved into my architectural career as evidenced by the variety of buildings designed and built in reflection of contentment and gratitude for the opportunities towards nation building.
Notwithstanding the many commendable socio-political, economic transformation and achievements in Malaysia, other ‘unpleasant’ changes have inevitably happened 'for better and worse', but in the same breath we must always remember and ensure that our human dignity (Maruah) and pride of existence must always take precedent, protected and not be compromised. This essence in Life is embodied within a Malay proverb that ...
" Maruah Manusia Perlu diJaga dan
Maruah Tidak Boleh diJualBeli atau diGadai ".
(“Dignity Must be Protected and
Dignity Must Not be Traded or Pawned”)
Such are the fundamental sensitivities in the context of 'Nation Building' within global existence and we must always be cautious of the Threats, Trials and Tribulations (3Ts) that constantly confront and can confuse our people and nation.
Critical thinking for Respect and Inclusivity of all Malaysians are uppermost in our quest for greater human success, survival and accomplishment, because ...
“Without our Past References, there is no Present and Future”
A heartfelt Congratulations to all Malaysians on this auspicious 66th Anniversary of Merdeka. May Allah SWT sustain, bless and protect our beloved nation, Malaysia!
Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!!!
Daripada seorang ‘Anak Malaysia’.
Wassalam.
Dato' Ar (Dr.) Hajeedar Abdul Majid
Past President PAM
PAM Gold Medallist 2012
Past President ICOMOS Malaysia
31 August 2023
Don't push blame/problem to others....Our independent forefathers didn't bother to structure and build a fair n square foundation....even the name Independent Malaya also let it be Tanah Melayu....
Article 11 NOT supposed to be there....and if still don't delete THE 5letter word RASMI latest by GE18 mostest likely Article 181 will be repealed ....🙏 Insyallah 🙏
Our founding fathers must be turning in their graves
What they fought for and envisaged for their country
has turned the complete opposite
They envisaged inclusivity of all races
Now , we are more polarised than ever
Extreme religiosity hastaken strong roots
with religious departments extending their tentacles everywhere
Racist and bigoted leaders running the political parties
Tun Razak started it and Mahatir nurtured it
And subsequent leaders using it to get malay votes
Things are far worse now than in 1957 for nons
Doubt it will get better as indoctrination still
goes on in schools with the mushrooming of
tawfik schools
Celebrate if you want , but I will give it a miss