The story of a nation is seen in the lives of its people. In conjunction with Merdeka Day, The Malaysian Insight starts a series with citizens who were born in 1957 and are as old as Malaya’s independence. Ordinary folk tell their stories to give us a glimpse of what being Malaysian means to them.

FOR S. Velmunigan being born on Malaysia’s Independence Day is significant for the retired storekeeper who gets to celebrate his birthday to shouts of Merdeka on August 31.

Born in Tapah, Perak, at a rubber plantation, the jovial man who turned 60, was the middle child among nine siblings.

Recalling his birth, Velmunigan said his parents, who were rubber tappers, were overjoyed when he was born on the special date. 

“According to my mother, the family were out celebrating Merdeka Day in the estate with relatives and friends and upon returning home at 8.30 that night, she felt labour pains.

“I was delivered at home by my grandmother, who acted as a midwife.

“Being on born Merdeka was special to them and each year, there will be a double celebration in my house,” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

Velmunigan went to the Tamil school in Jalan Tapah and after his primary education, transferred to the SMK Hamid Khan where he completed his SPM.

When he turned 18, he decided to join the police force as he couldn’t find a suitable job in Tapah. After completing his training, he was stationed at the police headquarters in Raub, Pahang.

“When I was in Raub, my contingent there formed the Platoon Muhibbah which consists of 10 Malay, Chinese and Indian police officers to patrol the area. 

“It reminded me of all races working together and celebrating Merdeka together.

“One of the perks of being born on Merdeka was the special treatment I got on the day, as I was given the honour of hoisting the Jalur Gemilang to the sounds of the trumpet. It was proud moment for me.” 

Looking ahead, Velmunigan decided to quit the force after serving his contingent for four years. 

“I left the force when I was 22 years old, when I decided to get married. My police salary was only RM260 per month and felt that to I needed to earn more and that’s why I left. 

“I was always thinking that I must own a big house and drive a fancy car and most importantly, ensure my children all become graduates. I felt that I won’t be able to achieve what I want if I stayed.”

Leaving the estate  

Velamunigan came to Selangor in 1980, and got a job as security guard in Dunlop Malaysia. 

“As they were looking for former police officers for the job, I used to get about RM700 a month with overtime… better than my police salary

“While working there, my friend and I did some part-time business. We were selling Hindu prayer items, bangles and other accessories at pasar malam around Petaling Jaya,

“My aim was to earn money the legal way without any corruption in life.”

From there he moved up to become a warehouse clerk in 1985 and was there until he was retrenched in 1997, two weeks before his 50th birthday. 

“I was not disappointed but was happy because I received a large payout because of our union agreement. I was not worried because I have already paid up for my houses and car.”

Velmunigan now enjoys travelling with his wife and drives a taxi part-time around the Subang Jaya area to keep busy. 

He also makes it a point to go back to Tapah to celebrate Merdeka yearly with family members and friends. 

“It is a yearly family trip and I want my children to see where I grew up.”

Fond memories 

Looking back, Velamunigan said his fondest memory of celebrating Merdeka was since it was his birthday, his school would ask his to hoist the Jalur Gemilng and also when he was in the police force.

“I’m proud to be part of the Malaysian culture. I also appreciate what the government has done for all Malaysians to ensure that the country is stable and peaceful.”

His most memorable moment was seeing his children become graduates. 

“I always wanted to be a doctor but I couldn’t afford to study, but seeing my son become a doctor was a great moment for me. 

“My aim was to ensure that my three children became graduates and I’m very happy.”

His daughter retired from teaching and is now taking care of two sons, while his 33-year-old son is a doctor at Kuala Lumpur Hospital and youngest son, 27, is working with Grab as an IT engineer.

Velmunigan said his Merdeka wish is for all races to continue to stay together, work together and live peacefully without any animosity.  

“I strongly believe we can achieve this as nation celebrating our 60th Merdeka.” – September 1, 2017.