{
  "id": 4809889,
  "title": "Not true that youth don’t appreciate Merdeka, says Dr M",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/not-true-that-youth-dont-appreciate-merdeka-says-dr-m",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T06:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/01/not-true-that-youth-don-t-appreciate-merdeka-says-dr-m"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refuted claims that young Malaysians lack appreciation for the country's independence. Mahathir, who is 101 years old, observed an enthusiastic and diverse crowd at the national day parade he attended yesterday. He stated that young people, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian youths, were joyfully celebrating Merdeka. Mahathir emphasized that such a spirit among the youth is crucial for preserving the nation and protecting its sovereignty. He highlighted that defending the country is one of the most noble acts. Dr Mahathir's comments come after concerns raised by older generation members, such as retired Special Branch officer Paul Kiong, about the level of patriotism among the youth. Kiong urged Gen Z to remember that peace was earned through sacrifice and to remain united as one nation.",
  "summary": "Former prime minister praises the multiracial crowd at yesterday's Merdeka parade following concerns that the younger generation does not value Malaysia's independence.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Not true that youth don’t appreciate Merdeka, says Dr M",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/not-true-that-youth-dont-appreciate-merdeka-says-dr-m-4809938",
        "published": "2026-09-01T06:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}