The Day We Became Free

“Hari Merdeka (Malaysian for 'Independence Day'), also known as Hari Kebangsaan (National day), refers to the day when the Federation of Malaya's independence from the British Empire was officially declared. At exactly 09:30 on 31 August 1957, the declaration was read by the first Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman at the Merdeka Stadium in the presence of thousands of people including Malay Rulers, members of the federal government, and foreign dignitaries.” –Wikipedia

Red, blue, yellow and white,

Flags that stood proudly with might,

Different races, different colours,

Together we unite.

-Anonymous

If you were to ask me what ‘Merdeka’ means to me, I would say- freedom.

Imagine Malaysia as a country still under powers of an outsider, what would life be? Can kids run around shouting and screaming happily? Can we, adults, walk on the streets without being fear of getting shoot? Can all of us live under a shelter that we could permanently call it home, or we are moving from time to time to avoid being attacked?

On the 31st of August, we won the war led by our dearest Tunku Abdul Rahman and all his loyal companions. We won the war that leads one step nearer becoming an independent country. We are all free from being slaves for the others.

If you’re born as a Malaysian, be proud of being a Malaysian, be loyal to your own nation.