{
  "id": 474882,
  "title": "Decades on, Merdeka spirit still burns bright among older Malaysians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/decades-on-merdeka-spirit-still-burns-bright-among-older-malaysians",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-10T13:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/10/decades-on-merdeka-spirit-still-burns-bright-among-older-malaysians/230793"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "IPOH, Aug 10 — Names like Ali, Siti, Muthu, Jarjit Singh and Ah Meng, once familiar in primary school textbooks, evoke memories of friendship, unity, and a shared spirit in an independent Malaysia. This year’s National Month celebrations reminded senior citizens at Halaman Suri Sejahtera Negeri Perak of their childhood days, despite the passage of decades. Standing at community centre events, they waved the Jalur Gemilang flag, sang patriotic songs and participated in flag-making games, proving their love for the country endures. For Bhajan Singh, 60, from Gunung Rapat, these activities are an opportunity to recall his childhood National Day celebrations and reconnect with friends of different races. Seventy-five-year-old Jaharah Hashim, from Manong, Kuala Kangsar, expressed how such events foster friendships and keep their patriotism strong. Retired teacher P. Asokan, 64, noted that the camaraderie among Malaysians from various backgrounds during National Day celebrations is a reflection of the spirit that should endure. Programme coordinator Nur Hayatulasna Mohamed Fishal explained that the National Day-themed program aimed to instill patriotism among senior citizens, despite their age and diminishing strength, their gratitude for independence and love for the country remain steadfast. The theme for the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, 'Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati', underscores the importance of shared prosperity and harmony for all Malaysians.",
  "summary": "IPOH, Aug 10 — Do you still remember names such as Ali, Siti, Muthu, Jarjit Singh and Ah Meng that often appeared...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Decades on, Merdeka spirit still burns bright among older Malaysians",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/decades-on-merdeka-spirit-still-burns-bright-among-older-malaysians-475456",
        "published": "2026-08-10T13:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}