The echoes of Merdeka still ring for Kalsom Taib

At the age of 15, Kalsom Taib attended the Merdeka celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, a memory that remains vivid in her mind decades later. She was visiting the capital during the school holidays, living in Johor Bahru, and was able to secure a prime view of the event thanks to her father, who was the district officer of Kuala Lumpur at the time.

Kalsom, dressed in her mother's best dress, joined tens of thousands of people gathered at the newly built Merdeka Stadium, where the Duke of Gloucester represented Queen Elizabeth II in presenting the instrument of independence to Tunku Abdul Rahman. The crowd echoed 'Merdeka' seven times as Tunku stretched out his hand, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Malaysia's history.

Kalsom fondly remembers the Malayan flag being raised and the performance of 'Negaraku' by the Merdeka Choir. She also recalls meeting Tunku Abdul Rahman on his 87th birthday in 1990 and cherishes a framed photograph of that day. In her latest memoir, 'A Life Reimagined: A Memoir', Kalsom shares her experiences, including her childhood during the Japanese Occupation, her career with notable companies, and reflections on Malaysia's progress and the need for principles such as integrity and character.