Happy Merdeka Day!

Tomorrow, 31st of august we Malaysian will celebrate our independence day. it has been 52 years our country has freed from the colonization. Today, Malaysia has developed rapidly and well known by the world. Our achievements are undeniable and we have become role model in many things. We are now moving towards vision 2020 in attaining the developed nation status.

Since independence we have attained so many achievements. Nearly forty years ago, we moved very slowly. We don’t have enough expertise among Malaysians to help the government in developing the country. We faced many difficulties during that time. May 13 racial riot also has deteriorated the situation and scare us till now. From the past, we learn from mistake. Our government has taken action and did their best to make policies which can ensure our competitiveness in economy for the sake of the people.

Government also is looked concern in promoting the social welfare where the rate of poverty has decreased drastically. The national education policy has succeeded to form intellectual societies. Since 1960, our local universities have born many experts as well. This achievement has undoubtedly contributed a lot for the development in many fields.

The movement to attain independence was very difficult. We face many challenges and tribulations. Some nationalist, leaders, and armies died in their strive to attain the independence. We cannot forget their contributions to free this country and their efforts will be remembered forever. They are willing to do everything. Many nationalists such as Dato’ Onn Jaafar and Tunku Abdul Rahman had led the people to oppose the Malayan Union and made them realize that people in Tanah Melayu want to be independent.

However, we also cannot forget the efforts and contribution of left movement’s leaders during that time. Dr. Burhanuddin Al-Helmy, Ahmad Boestamam, and Pak Sako had strived to free this nation from imperialism. Nowadays, young generations think only Umno strive and led the people to push for independence. But, not only Umno. Before Umno was formed, many associations like API, AWAS, and Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM) played important role to increase the awareness of the people about the bad impact of colonization, imperialism and so on.

It must be noted, even the weak become strong when they are united. Therefore, unity will help a lot in the development of economy, social, education system, etc. Today there are many problems, disputes and crisis which plague us. As a multiracial country which lived by 3 main races we face such big challenge in ensuring a better future for Malaysia. Peace and harmony need to be guaranteed. Racial integration must be consolidated and strengthen.

Right now, racial issues and religious issues are still being played especially by politicians. If this happen continuously, our nation is at stake. We cannot prejudice our future. Basically, we don’t have difficulty to encourage unity. The problems appear when it comes to politic. Sometimes differences of opinion cause uncomfortable atmosphere and it makes hard for them to live together.

Independence means not only free from the colonization. it must be defined broadly. Independence also means we are free from corruption, abuse of power, poverty, mismanagement, crime, riot etc. we cannot let this things happen. Independence includes respect for human rights, human dignity and social justice as well. We must uphold the supremacy of the constitution, rule of law and equality before the law.
This country should be governed by law.

We need to comply and respect what has been enshrined in the federal constitution which becomes the supreme law of the land. A truly independence judiciary must be put in place. Besides, the government and the people should also understand the constitution and constitutionalism. We must ensure that the people do not live in fear. Crimes should be prevented seriously. The people should be given freedom subject to limitations provided by the constitution. This is the real meaning of independence.

Happy Merdeka Day!