KUALA LUMPUR, aug 31- Regardless of where they are, Malaysians are ever ready to show their patriotism to their motherland.
Whether they are studying or working overseas, Merdeka means a lot to them too and they will be celebrating the 56th independence anniversary today in their own unique ways through various itineraries.
Dr Mohd Ihsanuddin Abas, 29, a Malaysian working in Melbourne, Australia said though the Merdeka day anniversary was celebrated in a moderate scale compared to at home but the initiative reflected the strong patriotism towards the motherland.
“I have been working actively with Malaysian Muslim Brotherhood (ISMA) of Australia and in conjunction with the Merdeka celebration we will be holding a Merdeka programme on the day entitled “Graduate Discourse: Islam’s Survival in Malaysia.
“This is to create awareness on the position of Islam in Malaysia since achieving independence and that the position has to be defended by the younger generation today,” he told Bernama in an interview over the Internet.
There will be other events as well – literature competition, and video and poster presentation on Merdeka.
INSTILLING RESILIENCE IN MALAYSIANS
Dr Mohd Ihsanuddin who is the chairman of ISMA (Australia) noted that instilling resilience among the younger generation has to be emphasised through traditions, culture and religion, and the oriental values.
“Every Malaysian should be ready to accept the differences openly and learn to get to know one another because with similarities we can achieve strength and despite differences we can work out hope.
“In a nutshell, everyone should appreciate the country’s history and the constitution and respect one another,” said Dr Mohd Ihsanuddin who has been working in Australia for the last four years.
Like the saying ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’, this is what drove Malaysians to foreign lands. Despite having comfortably assimilated with the local community there and benefitting from the prosperity and the rapid development of the host nation, they will never forget their motherland.
Though celebration itineraries are pale compared with the events lined up back home, the activities held in a relaxing manner by Malaysians overseas are still meaningful.
A Malaysian studying in Japan, Mohammad Farhan Mohd Fauzi, 21, noted that what was important was the tenacity and strong spirit of patriotism in celebrating the national day among fellow Malaysians.
“I’m grateful and proud to be Malaysian. Therefore, we will be celebrating by singing patriotic songs together at home. Though this may sound odd to some but I believe this is one of the ways to celebrate the event in a foreign land,” he said.
APPRECIATE THE SACRIFICES OF THE COUNTRY’S HEROES
The third year electrical and electronic engineering student at Tokai University said the younger generation have to appreciate the sacrifices of the country’s freedom fighters and leaders.
Malaysians have to see themselves being free in the true sense, with their own values and mould, free from unwanted foreign influences.
“I hope that Malaysians will emulate the Japanese who take cleanliness and good manners seriously,” said this youth from Gombak, Selangor.
Meanwhile, Syed Muslim Syed Kamaruddin, 30, a project engineer based at The Hague, Netherlands said that this would be his first experience celebrating Merdeka anniversary in a foreign land.
“I’m invited to the Malaysian Embassy Merdeka celebrations on Sept 10, the itineraries go beyond the ambassador’s speech, singing the national anthem Negaraku and food,” he said.
Syed Muslim noted that Malaysians have the responsibility of maintaining the country’s harmony and prosperity to ensure Malaysia’s continuous development.
“Here, each time they get to know that I’m from Malaysia, they say Malaysia is a great country.” he said proudly.
Like the rest of the Malaysians in foreign lands, Syed Muslim is hopeful that Malaysia will continue to enjoy development at par with the developed nations.
MERDEKA!
– BERNAMA
