Perspectives

The Meaning of a Modern Merdeka

Posted on August 31, 2021

(Note: This content is a 6-min read)

Merdeka (n): a word in Bahasa Melayu meaning independence or freedom. It is derived from the Sanskrit maharddhika that translates to “rich, prosperous and powerful”

To many Malaysians, the feeling of Merdeka is iconically linked with the image of Tunku Abdul Rahman standing proudly with his right hand lifted high in Padang Kelab Selangor, now known as Dataran Merdeka. In front of a united crowd of 20,000 Malaysians, he firmly declared, “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!” As everyone of all races cheered and celebrated with tears of joy, we, the newer generation, can only imagine the liberation they felt after a lifetime of being under colonized rule.

Now, a lifetime later, in the midst of a global pandemic, what does Merdeka mean to us? Zooming into the past two years, our experience with independence and freedom has greatly been challenged. For better or for worse, we are now told where we can and cannot go, and what we can and cannot trade. Through the movement restrictions and economic lockdowns, the pandemic has indiscriminately denied many from their sources of income, and has put thousands under immense financial strain. With the unemployment rate at 4.8% as of June 2021, there are a quarter of a million more unemployed Malaysians today than the pre-COVID era, and the incidence of absolute poverty has increased from 5.6 percent in 2019 to 8.4 percent in 2021. Unfortunately, we are all forced to face the reality that this situation will likely prevail due to political uncertainty and lack of economic direction.

“Will anyone come to our aid?” is no longer the question being asked. If anything, this pandemic has made Malaysians realise the need for us to be self-reliant and resilient in seeking self-starting opportunities to stay afloat. Luckily, the past two years have uncovered many national heroes, many of whom are unknown to all except those they’ve directly helped. Perhaps it was you, or even people in your own community who have shown true leadership by shouldering the responsibility of “no man left behind.” We have seen countless self-organized donation crowdfunding drives, aid-giving and support groups emerge across the nation in hopes to alleviate the suffering of people within its reach. Here, our faith in humanity has been restored.

The lockdown has also forced us towards seeking relationships and maintaining them through digital platforms. With more people spending time in the digital world, many of those in need can easily find contact for local support groups that provide non-judgemental solace to their woes, whilst others find online communities to express, discuss and develop their views on pressing issues. Perhaps for once in a long while, this pandemic has actually given Malaysians a purpose to unite; to help one another ride out the tough times, make sense of our new reality, and work towards thriving in the new normal.

64 years ago, Malaysia’s independence was earned when the people of Malaya overcame the tactical racial segregation imposed by the Brits. No longer did their “Divide and Conquer” policy dictate our values or our leadership. We identified our core strength, and through our common desire for peace, it was unity, tolerance and a shared common goal that weaved the three major races together in request for Merdeka in 1957. Well, how does that play out today? Some may argue that race-play by the people in power is an irrelevant plot of the past – but that’s not of discussion here. What we do acknowledge is that, like before, like it had always been, we are stronger together. A Merdeka achieved by helping one another live better lives, is a Merdeka to celebrate.

To all those in these trying times who have lent a hand, a shoulder, or even a cent, thank you for taking it upon yourself for a Better Malaysia. #KitaJagaKita