Don T Let Bigots Hijack Merdeka Go And Celebrate

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Hari Merdeka, Aug 31, is a day for all of us in Malaysia to give thanks for what our forefathers, led by Tunku, the “Father of Independence”, have left us.
Merdeka is not just another important milestone in our history. It signifies national pride and unity, it is about freedom from colonial rule, and more importantly, it is about our journey towards a stronger, more equitable, and just nation.
So, why should anyone feel intimidated and be afraid to fly the Jalur Gemilang just because of one racist, attention-seeking rabble-rouser?
Why should the nation be held to ransom and individuals be cowed into submission by Dr Akmal Saleh? Why should we not enjoy ourselves on Merdeka Day and have a wonderful celebration as we would normally do?
ADSThe parades, cultural performances, fireworks, and the Merdeka mega-sale. Why should we stop having a good time, all because of the brazen, irresponsible acts of one man?
Anyone proud to be Malaysian should not bow down to bigots.
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh at a rally in Penang, Aug 14, 2025Of course, we are angry with Akmal, who has made it his business to claim the Jalur Gemilang for his own selfish agenda, which borders on racial and religious sentiment.
However, just compare Akmal’s provocation with the actions of our forefathers. The Umno-Baru Youth leader knows nothing about the sacrifice of our Merdeka leaders and the ordinary people who fought hard for independence, who made their demands without inciting violence.
Our forefathers had more to lose than the Umno-Baru Youth leader, and yet we allow him to hijack the nation.
If our forefathers and individuals in pre-independent Malaya had behaved badly, the British colonial powers could have jailed any troublemaker and delayed granting our independence.
They had the Internal Security Act (ISA), and the British had to combat armed insurgency and the threat of the Malayan Communist Party. They would not be wishy-washy about arresting people like Akmal.
If Akmal’s bullying seems to be out of control, then blame the authorities for their failure to enforce the law swiftly. Blame also the councils with their over-the-top and knee-jerk reaction to come down hard on individuals, or to crucify the Pontian clinic with a 30-day closure; but most of all, blame the silence of our leaders and politicians who simply stood by and allowed Akmal to act like a thug.
Across the generations
Merdeka is not just about the flag. At various times in the past, council leaders would equate patriotism with the number of flags flown outside the home or work premises. In Ipoh, businesses which fail to fly the flag would be fined. This is sheer stupidity. If only councils devoted a similar amount of energy to curbing corruption as they have done with upside-down flag flying.
For the older generation, especially those born before or around 1957, Merdeka is personal and very much a lived experience. It is about sacrifice during the transition period from being governed by a foreign Western power to one of self-rule.
More often than not, cries of “Merdeka” evoke strong memories of national pride among the elderly. They associate Merdeka with Tunku at the Merdeka Stadium, proclaiming independence.
ADSFor Generation X and the millennials, Merdeka is about national integration. There is unity in diversity, as this generation was brought up with the Rukun Negara, introduced in 1970. For them, Merdeka is also about modernisation, stability, and economic growth.
Gen Z onwards did not experience colonialism and therefore, Merdeka for them is more symbolic than a personal experience. Many of them have a globalised view of the world, and Merdeka may be measured in terms of modernisation, the need for reform, and creativity.
Across the generations, Merdeka is seen as a constantly evolving process. We may be free from colonial rule, but Malaysians will admit that exploitation by a foreign power has now been replaced by a home-grown semi-authoritarian regime.
Still a work in progress
Merdeka was not all smooth sailing. From 1957 onwards, we encountered various obstacles, but each time, we failed to capitalise on them and start nation-building. Obstacles like when Singapore “left” in 1963, the Malaysia-Indonesia Konfrontasi (1963-1966), the racial riots of 1969, the 1980s Islamisation drive, the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-98, and the failure to implement much-needed reforms in 2018.
Our leaders prioritised personal interests over national interests. They chose ethnic and identity politics over nationhood.
Nevertheless, one man who sensed the lost opportunities towards nation-building is Mohammed Hussein. He lists his observations in his book, “How Malaysia missed 7 chances at nation building”, but like me and countless others, Mohammed is full of hope that unity is achievable. It’s about inclusive nationhood, not identity politics.
Back then, our forefathers fought for Merdeka. Today, we can still free the nation from corruption, racism, religious extremism, inequality, and injustice.
Merdeka is not just about the flag, the fireworks, and fielding an impressive display of military marches, cultural performances, or rousing songs.
Perhaps the best Merdeka present is to be rid of the New Economic Policy. We need to be free of the sense of entitlement which is only enjoyed by some. Only then will we experience the full spirit of Merdeka.
Happy Merdeka! - Mkini
MARIAM MOKHTAR is a defender of the truth, the admiral-general of the Green Bean Army, and the president of the Perak Liberation Organisation (PLO). Blog, X.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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