Voices of unity, diversity and progress

MERDEKA The day is a powerful symbol of Malaysia's hard-won independence and the diverse cultural fabric that defines the country. As Malaysia continues to evolve, the meaning of Merdeka remains deeply rooted in the collective consciousness of its people.

This year, theSun turns to a group of influential voices from the Malaysian community who share their thoughts and messages in honour of Merdeka Day. Representing diverse cultural backgrounds, these influencers provide insights into what Merdeka means to them and how they envision Malaysia's future.

Below they share their thoughts on the nature of independence, unity and the way forward.

Adrina Kamjo

For Adrina Kamjo, Merdeka Day is much more than a historical celebration. It is a moment of deep personal reflection on the evolving notion of freedom. Adrina sees Merdeka as an opportunity to reflect on how independence is related to collective responsibility and global interconnectedness.

“Merdeka Day symbolises a profound reflection on the evolving nature of freedom. It is not just about celebrating historical events, but also reflecting on the true nature of freedom in today's globalised society. For me, it is a personal reckoning with what freedom really means in my own life. It is a moment to reflect on how my freedoms relate to the responsibilities I have towards others.”

Adrina wants to convey a message of community responsibility to theSun readers, emphasizing that true freedom is not just about personal rights, but how those rights are used to support others.

“As we celebrate our independence, we should also commit ourselves to making a positive contribution to the lives of those around us and to strengthening the essence of freedom through solidarity and respect,” she said.

Muqh Mazelan

Muqh Mazelan's thoughts on Merdeka Day revolve around the concept of freedom, but with a unique twist. For him, Merdeka is a powerful word that goes beyond its traditional meaning, symbolizing not only freedom from external constraints, but also from the internal struggles that hold us back.

“For me, Merdeka means freedom. It is a special kind of freedom, freedom from everything. Our way of thinking, our way of life and our freedom shape our destiny as individuals and as a nation,” Muqh explained.

He draws a parallel between the difficulties Malaysia's ancestors faced in their struggle for independence and the personal conflicts we all face today.

“Just like our ancestors who once thought they could not move forward, they rose up and fought for the country. This is the determination we must develop within ourselves to be truly free and break free from everything that holds us back,” he added.

Muqh's message to readers is clear: Merdeka is not just a word, but a call to action. He encouraged everyone to hold on to the essence of Merdeka as a guiding principle to move forward, change and progress.

Chan Karwai

For Malaysian artist Chan Karwai, Merdeka Day holds profound meaning that resonates deeply with her identity and creative expression. It not only represents a defining moment in Malaysia's history, but also an inspiration for her artistic endeavors.

“Merdeka Day embodies the timeless spirit of freedom and unity. It is a celebration of our diverse heritage and the collective strength that has shaped our identity,” said Chan.

Chan sees art as a bridge that connects people. For her, Merdeka Day serves as a reminder of the road to independence and the progressive development of Malaysian society. Her message emphasises the importance of embracing and supporting Malaysian art and culture.

“Art and culture bring us together and reflect our shared experiences. In our hectic world, take time to enjoy beauty and creativity. Experience the richness of Malaysian art and culture and help preserve these traditions so they never die out. Stay curious, keep exploring and find the extraordinary in the everyday.”

Cho Jun Yang

Cho Jun Yang, a voice of reason and reflection, sees Merdeka Day as an opportunity to recognise the achievements of those who came before us, while looking to the future. For him, it is a day to celebrate the nation's achievements and recognise the work that still needs to be done.

“Merdeka Day is a day of reflection, a day to celebrate the efforts of our ancestors and embrace the future as a nation. We appreciate how far we have come, but must not forget to see how far we still have to go.”

He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing diversity as the key to progress.

“People are afraid of what they don't understand, and that fear is holding us back from progress. As a nation, we must continue to learn from each other and embrace our differences, because if we understand each other, no one can tear us apart,” he said.

Jenanee Jaikrishnan

For Jenanee Jaikrishnan, Merdeka Day is a heartfelt tribute to Malaysia's rich cultural diversity. She sees the day as a celebration of the unity inherent in the country's multicultural fabric, a unity based on mutual respect and inclusivity.

“Merdeka Day touches me deeply because it touches the essence of my identity. It is a celebration of the unity that lies in our diversity, where festivals, languages ​​and traditions from all walks of life come together in harmony.”

Jenanee's message is characterized by the spirit of a positive attitude towards one's own body and the appreciation of individuality.

“This Merdeka, let us highlight the diversity of our nation and be proud to be ourselves, extra sambal and all!” Selamat Hari Merdeka! “This is a national day, we all live together and we all live together,” she proclaimed.

As Malaysia celebrates another Merdeka Day, these reflections from influential community voices remind us of the complexity of freedom and independence.

Whether through art, personal growth or community responsibility, all messages have one common denominator: the importance of unity, understanding and progress.

While we honor the past, we should also look to a future where these values ​​continue to guide us as a nation.