MERDEKA means “independent” or “free”, derived from the Sanskrit “maharddhika”, which means prosperous and powerful. The term was used by anti-colonialist and pro-independence movements demanding independence from the colonial administrations. 

In Malaysia, the Malayan Declaration of Independence is defined in article 160 of the Federal Constitution.

First prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman declared independence with seven shouts of “Merdeka”

The celebration is generally a day of lifting flags and singing Negara Ku, with a grand parade at Dataran Merdeka.

Some 60 years later, as we commemorate independence from the British, we need to free ourselves from the new “colonialists”.

They are not foreigners but one of us.

Their interpretation and of the constitution is damaging to all. And they come from both sides of the political divide.  

The executive seems to have unlimited executive, legislative and financial powers. The wheeling and dealing to secure advantages for themselves is public knowledge. Corruption is a crime but unlimited political funding is allowed. We also have party-hoppers to make all this possible.

They even want to control the judiciary which is the last bastion of the rule of law in a democracy.

How do we put a stop to all these nonsense and put our beloved country back on track? Our neighbours have overtaken us in economic progress.

We are neither rich nor powerful. Even a tank and a prime mover involved in the Merdeka parade rehearsals broke down causing traffic jams. The six littoral combat ships ordered many years ago are still works in progress.

For over a decade we have been fed slogans like 1Malaysia, Malaysia Baru and Keluarga Malaysia. But none have had a meaningful effect on the fabric of Malaysian society.

Do we resemble a family, where we complement one another to form a single body?

Our national crest says “Unity is Strength” (Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu) but are we anywhere near it? Look at the Sheraton Move and today, even the Prime Minister is under pressure from his own party.

Worse still, royalty has been called to intervene on a Federal Court decision. The Agong is supposed to be the umbrella and symbol of the country’s sovereignty.

Is the Rukun Negara merely a symbolic pledge to be recited on National Day? 

The Agong has urged the people to uphold the spirit of the Rukun Negara and to practise it in all aspects of daily life to overcome our differences and diversity to live in peace and harmony. He said the principles should serve as a guide for all Malaysians.

He also reminded everyone to respect and defend the privileges and rights of one another that are enshrined in the Federal Constitution. 

Most importantly,he said the law must be respected and obeyed by every citizen regardless of rank and title.

Previously, we had anti-colonialist and pro-independence movements demanding independence from the British. 

Do we have such movements now to free us from these new “colonialists”? How strong and influential are these movements? Will they be easily intimidated and threatened?

We still have smart, reasonable and level-headed leaders in Malaysia. I trust they can stand up, move forward and champion the cause to free us from the greedy new colonialists.

I pray that with divine intervention, we will have a better future and be able to truly celebrate Merdeka.

Selamat Hari Merdeka. 

What say you… – August 30, 2022.

* 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.