Independence Day: Know its theme and events of the 64th Merdeka | UMSU Press

Malaysia National Day, which is also known as Malaysia Independence Day or ‘Hari Merdeka' in Malay, commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31st August 1957. The first prime minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj secured an immediate internal self-government and the pledge of independence via the London trip together with the Alliance leaders who strived to achieve the goal of independence. The formal Independence Day of Malaysia is stated under Article 160 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution as the date on which the country is freed from British rule.
 
To commemorate the Malaysian National Day, a series of programmes and competitions are organized in the month of August. Malaysia will be celebrating the 64th National Day on 31st August 2021. It is held at the National Heroes Square, Putrajaya. The theme for this year’s Malaysian National Day is Malaysia Prihatin which is in appreciation of all Malaysian citizens who united to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to the chairman of the Celebration Working Committee, the main event does not involve the public's actual presence; instead, it is organized on a limited scale, face-to-face mode, and under stringent control. There are four main events that will be held during the 64th National Day, which includes drumline performance by the Malaysian Armed Forces, silent march by the Royal Malaysian Navy, band show of various uniformed agencies and finally, air display by the Royal Malaysian Air Forces. 

The glorious celebration is merged with the latest technology based on the concept of ‘mixed reality’ which is a combination of physical production systems built according to AR (Augmented Reality) and XR (Extended Reality) technology. Various competitions and programmes have been organized since 1st August 2021 such as National Speech Competition 2021, Merdeka Poetry Competition 2021, MyDoodle @ Merdeka Colouring and Drawing Competition 2021, Tik Tok Ilham Merdeka Video 2021 and Virtual Merdeka Run 2021.
 
National Day is truly important as the spirit of patriotism can be sparked within the multi-ethnic society due to the success of the Malayan Declaration of Independence from the British Empire on this remarkable day. In other words, the significance of independence is demonstrated on this day, and it unites the entire nation beneath one flag. Besides, it serves as a historical and cultural allegory. Any country that owns and celebrates specific symbols feels proud to do so. The day has historical and cultural significance, and people commemorate it to show how important freedom is. Lastly, it instills a sense of patriotism and duty for the country in our citizens. This day provides an opportunity to revisit this day that underpins Malaysia's development and to cultivate a sense of love and responsibility towards the country.
 
As citizens, we should appreciate the sacrifices of our forefathers who contributed to the country and nation by showing our devoted, dedicated and fervid patriotic spirit. Although we can't be at the National Heroes Square, Putrajaya physically due to the raging pandemic, we can still show our support by watching the live telecast of the national day parade on television sets. However, we also display our patriotic spirit by casting our vote in the elections to play a role in deciding our country’s future, thus fulfilling our social responsibility. 
 
​With our beloved nation, we should always feel proud of our identity and appreciate the unity and harmonious social landscape that Malaysia has to offer. We wish all fellow mates “Happy 64th National Day.”

Kita Anak Malaysia!

Stay safe and stay healthy!
 
Link: https://linkmix.co/6084446
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Written by Secretariat of Current Affairs 2021/2022

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