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 seven 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, which every Malaysian of whatever racial origin and heritage must appreciate, protect and 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 a 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 diverse communities which 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 sacrifice of ‘blood, sweat and tears’ was therefore made by our predecessors.

Noble and selfless efforts

Their noble and selfless efforts were all accomplished 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 the 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 memory 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 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 diverse 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-year journey since Merdeka in 1957.

Nation building

It was a most nostalgic moment when I stood at the very spot at the stadium in 1957, which brought the 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 (for) worse’, but in the same breath we must always remember and ensure that our human dignity (maruah) and pride of existence must always take precedence, be 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 is 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!!!

From an Anak Malaysia.

Wassalam.

-- BERNAMA

Dato' Ar (Dr) Hajeedar Abdul Majid is Past President of PAM, PAM Gold Medallist 2012 and Past President of ICOMOS Malaysia.