| |
|
Importance of Celebrating Independence Day |
|
|
Malaya achieved independence on August 31, 1957. This sacred date is celebrated
as Independence Day by all Malaysians every year. The celebration usually starts
at midnight, where colorful fireworks light up the sky as a symbol of freedom.
The following day, a parade is held representing various government agencies,
including the military, police, and civil servants, to enliven the spirit of
Independence Day. The celebration is usually held at Dataran Merdeka but has
recently been organized in other locations such as Putrajaya and Kuching,
Sarawak.
The question arises, what is the importance of celebrating Independence Day with
great splendor every year? First, it is to celebrate the achievements that the
country has made since its independence from colonialism. The life enjoyed by
Malaysians today would not have been a reality if independence had not been
achieved. During the colonial era, the socio-economic status of the people
created a gap between different ethnic groups. After independence, local leaders
and the community successfully brought progress in various aspects, particularly
in economic development, making Malaysia a major trading hub in the Asian
region. The ability of local workers attracted foreign investors to boost the
country's progress and provide benefits in the form of a better quality of life.
Infrastructure such as highways, airports, and skyscrapers like the Petronas
Twin Towers are evidence of our society's ability to forge progress.
Secondly, celebrating Independence Day is significant as a sign of respect for
the struggles of our founding fathers. Without the wisdom and hard work of
individuals like Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Malaysians may not enjoy the comfortable
life they have today. Therefore, with the celebration of Independence Day, we
can recognize the contributions of our national heroes and educate the younger
generation on their sacrifices. It may be challenging for the present generation
to experience the sacrifices of our past leaders, but they can learn from them
and practice the core values that were the basis of the struggle for national
independence. Visiting museums and historical sites such as the National
Monument can help young people understand and learn from our history, so they do
not repeat the mistakes of the past when they become future leaders of the
country.
Finally, celebrating Independence Day strengthens the unity among Malaysians.
Malays, Chinese, and Indians are the major ethnic groups in our country, besides
others like Dusun, Kadazan, and so on. Celebrating Independence Day together
promotes unity, where everyone can forget their differences and celebrate as one
nation. In conclusion, by recognizing and understanding our history and the
struggles of our past heroes, we will be more grateful for the conveniences we
enjoy today and appreciate all efforts to harmonize the country and support the
values of being a Malaysian citizen. |
|
|
|
|
