Merdeka begins 'in the mirror'
LETTERS: Every year, as August draws to a close, the Jalur Gemilang appears everywhere. It flies from buildings and balconies, along highways and village roads, outside schools, offices and homes. Familiar songs return. We watch black-and-white images of 1957 and hear again the cries of “Merdeka!” that once thundered across Stadium Merdeka.
As the Jalur Gemilang adorns Malaysian landscapes in August, memories of Merdeka surge back. Images from 1957 surface, echoing cries of "Merdeka!" that once resounded across Stadium Merdeka. Those who achieved freedom through struggle, negotiation, and sacrifice deserve admiration. However, 69 years later, a deeper question arises: What have I become for Malaysia? Instead of merely assessing a nation's state, this question compels individuals to reflect on their own contributions and responsibilities.
As we look into the mirror, a crucial question emerges: What kind of Malaysian do we see? Are we united, yet distrustful of others' differences? We demand honesty, but excuse our own when it suits us. We advocate compassion, yet celebrate the humiliation of others when they differ. We hold onto freedom, but only for those who align with us.
These are uncomfortable questions, yet they apply not only to common citizens but also to those in positions of power. Institutions must uphold fairness, and leaders must remember their duty to govern all Malaysians, not just their supporters.
Freedom is not merely the absence of chains imposed by others. It requires vigilance against the emergence of new ones: anger, prejudice, bitterness, arrogance, and the desire to dominate and diminish. The true test of freedom comes when power rests in our hands. Will we become more generous, remembering the exclusion we once faced, or will past grievances fuel future injustices?
When disagreement becomes disloyalty and criticism becomes punishment, we risk using laws and institutions to settle historical scores instead of building a prosperous future.
A mature nation embraces dissent. Justice, fair only to our friends, loses its meaning. For government, Merdeka demands a mirror: are we using power to serve or settle scores? Are we fostering trust or demanding obedience? Power is temporary, but principles must endure. The saddest betrayal of Merdeka would be to inherit freedom only to make another Malaysian feel smaller, quieter, or less secure simply because they think differently.
We must look back at the old photographs from those who shaped our nation. They were from diverse races, religions, and backgrounds, yet united in imagining a larger purpose – a country. We should ponder how they would perceive our present. Surely, they would be proud of Malaysia's achievements, yet wonder why we still find reasons to stand apart based on race, religion, or politics.
Why does winning sometimes matter more than healing? As we celebrate 69 years of independence, let us remember that earning another Malaysian's trust and security requires us to look beyond our own differences and embrace unity in diversity.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
