ELC Gazette

Salam One Malaysia everyone,

The time has come once again for us to wave our Jalur Gemilang with pride and gratitude while we stand tall singing our patriotic songs. ‘Merdeka’ is an occasion very dear to Malaysians. What is the first word that strikes your mind when you hear the word ‘Merdeka’? To many, it means freedom. To me, I simply hear ‘Hope’. Why hope, you may ask?

Let’s look deeper into the history of Malaysia and admire its amazing roots while we embrace our 52th anniversary. After many years of foreign ruling, our nations’ heroes finally acquired independence from the British. It was the hope that the people of Malaya longed for. Though I have never experienced the hard life before independence, as a child, I have always listened to the astonishing stories told by my grandfather and studied the colourful History textbooks during my secondary school, and never would I wish to live through those times. Thankfully, we got our independence without much shedding of blood and the magnificent ‘Merdeka’ was cheered seven times to the relief and joy of many.

After 52 years, Malaysia has come a long way to be on the right track and becoming a modernized country that has traveled through ups and downs, the good and the ugly. With the newly-introduced One Malaysia concept and the motto ‘People First, Performance Now’, we hope to tear down the invisible racial barrier built between us, equating us for our strengths and not separating us by the skin color, and strive for excellence of the country. We are Malaysians and we should be united as one stable foundation. Dividing ourselves will lead to the downfall of a country which eventually brings chaos and disharmony.

In schools, even to universities, how many of you will actually sit with people of different races? Or befriend one of opposite culture to you? It is high time we correct our mindset and remove the prejudice we have toward others. What benefits do you get from acting like one? And what are the benefits if you don’t? I suppose you do know.

I was in Kuala Lumpur this Independence Day and from my observation, there wasn’t much high spirit about the Merdeka. May be it was because of the H1N1 scare that drove many indoors and people avoid going to gatherings to celebrate the event. In an effort to show your support this Merdeka, I would sincerely hope that you will comment on this post, particularly posting a shout-out of ‘Merdeka’. Show your love towards the country.

While we bask in this year’s Merdeka, let us remind ourselves that unity is the secret ingredient that will make us stronger. The more unified we are, the stronger a nation we become. It is my hope that this beloved country we shelter in together will continue to remain as a harmonious and peaceful country that progress forward in realizing our ultimate goal.

Happy Merdeka to you,

WC Kan,
Chief Editor.