THIS year’s celebration, the 60th, will be extra special as the 1957 Independence atmosphere will be re-enacted. However, the theme “Sehati Sejiwa”  is the same as the last two years’, except it has had “Negara” added to it. 

The chairman of the celebration committee said it is vital that Malaysians feel indebted to the sacrifices of past leaders. “We have to sacrifice for the country despite differences in political views and approaches, but in the matter of the nation, we must unite so that Malaysia continues to achieve success and progress”, he added.

Our neighbour, Indonesia also celebrates its independence day (72nd) but about two weeks earlier and the theme they adopted, “Kebersamaan”  (Togetherness) has some semblance to ours. What warms my heart is a photo that shows the President, the First Lady, the Vice-President, and former presidents Megawati Sukarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in traditional costume.

The message was that to achieve developed nation status, Indonesians must unite against corruption, threats against national unity, and work towards equality for all. More must be done to safeguard Indonesia’s principles of pluralism and diversity in the wake of racial and religious tensions and a call for firmness when dealing with ideological infiltrations. Meanwhile, the president is dealing with an ugly showdown between the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and lawmakers over an ongoing probe into a series of kickbacks for politicians.

Not only the theme has some similarity but the concerns and issues sounds familiar. Well, aren’t we “serumpun” (of the same family cluster).

We have to accept the fact that nowadays threats are no longer an invasion from another country, but from corruption, extremism, radicalism, terrorism as well as cyber-crimes. Hence, we have to be together and show patriotism.

For patriotism, as if the above issues are not enough, a minister complained on the poor response among city folks in hoisting the national flag, ahead of Merdeka Day. Even DBKL is reviewing the terms and conditions for licence renewal and possibly making it compulsory for property owners and business owners to fly the national flag. The question here is, can patriotism be enforced as law and made compulsory? 

A year ago, in my article, “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka”, I proposed themes on good values. To fight the issues highlighted above, we need to instil good values. But, the government of the day may have felt that unity and togetherness is still lacking and have kept the same theme.

As for my sincere wish to display patriotism and unity, I would like to see our leaders on that special day to wear our respective traditional costumes and invite the surviving past leaders for the main event. This would truly, from all angles fulfil the wishes of the organising chairman who wanted Malaysians to sacrifice for the country despite differences in political views and approaches.

I take this opportunity to wish the organisers the best of luck for a successful celebration. 

Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka! 

Selamat Hari Merdeka to all Malaysians. What say you…

* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.