kemerdekaan

kemerdekaan

2005 is 48th independent year for our country. How far we have journeyed in less than half a century. If this is not Providence I would not know how else to explain it. Looking back at the reflections of how we came to be a nation brought much appreciation and gratitude of the blessings that showered this land. The News Straits Times published a brief history of its published events prior and after Merdeka which threw in much light on how it felt when time for independence drew near and what were the challenges our country had to face. We post merdeka babies lack is truely appreciating how Merdeka came about. I think this is because we now freemen lacking the empathy of how downgrading colonial subjection can be. We read about it, hear of it, see documentaries but since we have decided it happened long ago and its no longer our problem, we isolate ourselves from what essentially led to the rebirth of our nation. I have also found similar logic pattern taking place in the minds of Christians towards Christmas and Easter. We are not apostate, but we detach ourselves from really celebrating and knowing its full meaning. In retrospect, I too was such, in much ignorance, ingratitude and unbelief.

Is it really a waste of resources and of our time? May be you will change your mind as you read the concluding words of the Proclamation of Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman. In his own words, Malaysia “with God’s blessing shall be for ever a sovereign democratic and independent State founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people and the maintenance of a just peace among all nations.”

My admiration for Tunku is heightened by another news report dated 21 February 1956 stating that he proclaimed independence by 31 August 1957 if God permits, instead the fomal words of the London agreement if possible. Following is an extract of his speech that day.

Whereas, in the course of human history, no nation, in order to salvage itself, will ever remain static for a long time. It will be compelled to decide on one of two directions, to go forward or backward. This depends of the ability and adaptability of that nation in facing changes and developments. When people are in a state of complete complacency with their present status they tend to fear anything that may produce changes. They will suspect any move or anybody who comes out with new ideas or inventions. But since human history is the history of changes and developments of making things better and more perfect, this type of self-satisfied nation will be left further and further behind and eventually disappear and remain only to be revealed by future historians. For us we are lucky that our nation is endowed by the grace of God with fortitude, courage and dignity. We were once a nation with great national heritage. Although the circumstances of our history have changed us from an independent, proud nation to a shameful and subjected one, we have managed to maintain our God-given pride, dignity, justice and indomitable spirit while being under continuous colonial rule for more than 400 years. Let it be known that we, the people of Malaya, are united in our endeavour to achieve independence of constitutional means and today we have fulfilled it. Therefore, in the name of God, the most merciful and the most compassionate, I hereby proclaim on behalf of the peoples of Malaya that full Independence for the Federation of Malaya within the Commonwealth, in accordance with the agreement reached in London, will take effect by August 31, 1957, if God permits. Abdul Rahman Putra.

With this, it is not difficult to love and cherish our heritage now, is it? When we love our country, we will do our best and keep her in our prayers constantly. What better service can we offer?