THERE may be no official celebrations this year, but has it made a difference to Malaysians in Melbourne? Meld talks to a handful of Malaysian students and finds out what Merdeka means to them.
Azaliya Abdullah, Bachelor of Science, and Ainessa Azhar, Bachelor of Commerce, University of Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur
What does Merdeka mean to you both?
When we’re at home, it’s just another holiday. But when we’re away, you actually feel the patriotism and you’re quite proud of it. You think about what your ancestors have done, and where we are today, and how we can move forward based on our history.
If they could do so much for our nation back then, imagine what we can do now. That’s what Merdeka is all about- your patriotism, and what you want to do for your country.
How are you going to be celebrating Merdeka this year?
We might get some Malaysians together and buka puasa (break fast) together.
Bryan Ng, Bachelor of Commerce, University of Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur
What does Merdeka mean to you?
It’s just another holiday where you can spend time with family. Too bad this year I’ll be in Melbourne, so I won’t even get a holiday.
How are you going to be celebrating Merdeka this year?
Sleeping in, like I always do.
Yit Ming Ng, Bachelor of Business, RMIT University, Kuala Lumpur
What does Merdeka mean to you?
It reminds me of our independence from the British, over 50 years ago. Basically, just that we’ve come a long way from what Malaya used to be – although we still have to improve a lot of things in terms of unity. We’ve really got to bridge that gap.
How are you going to be celebrating Merdeka this year?
I’ll be going to the event at CQ bar to celebrate!
Mabel Sia, Bachelor of Commerce, University of Melbourne, Kedah
What does Merdeka mean to you?
Being away from Malaysia, and the traditional cultural celebrations of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali, it helps me feel more Malaysian. It reminds me that I am Malaysian, despite living over here in Australia.
How are you going to be celebrating Merdeka this year?
I’ll be at home, watching Drop Dead Diva
and eating popcorn.
Julian Tay, Bachelor of Applied Science (Geomatics), RMIT University, Kuching
What does Merdeka mean to you?
It means sticking the Malaysian flag on your car.
How are you going to be celebrating Merdeka this year?
I might go out with some Malaysian friends for dinner or something, and shout Merdeka seven times the way Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia’s founding father) did at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) all those years back.