WHILE a segment of Malaysians has personal experience in playing a part in the struggle to obtain independence from the British back in the year 1957,  many of us have only read about it in our history books or heard stories passed down by our elders.

Nevertheless, the younger generation has, over the past couple of decades had personal experience in trying to obtain a new kind of independence. Not independence from a foreign occupation or anything of that sort, but a kind of independence from fear within.

After much mind struggle and fear, no thanks to ridiculous  propaganda from certain powers in control before this independence  day in 2018, Malaysians have now liberated their minds.

And, this is the most important kind of Merdeka one can ask for in these times.

The older generation has a duty to educate the younger generation on the struggles that the country had to endure to obtain liberation from actual occupation of the land.

At the same time, the new generation is duty bound to educate our children of the future on the struggles that the country had to endure to liberate itself from bad racist and divisive policies implemented by previous administrations.

These lessons go hand in hand and it is absolutely crucial to ensure that the country does not find itself trapped ever again in the prison of the mind despite being independent on paper.

We hope that from now on, there is mutual respect for all segments of society, regardless of race, religion, and any other aspect that differentiates you and me as individuals.

We only need to be known as Malaysians.

To all Malaysians, happy Merdeka from racism and racial divide.

God bless. – September 1, 2018.

* Puthan Perumal is an advocate and solicitor.

* 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.