Don’t politicize the Merdeka
celebrations
These days every activity in the country seems to be politicized.
Official government functions, sporting events, national festival open houses
and even religious occasions and places of worship are now being politicizes to
gain votes. Even a national event like the Merdeka celebrations has not been
spared. This can be attributed to the most crucial and keenly contested 13GE
which is to be held anytime soon.
As Malaysians from all walks of life unite to mark the
independence of their nation 55 years ago, it is deeply disturbing that the
celebrations of our independence, is being so politicsed that it seems to mar
the significance and importance of the auspicious day which we all fondly call
Merdeka. It is regrettable that political parties have total disregard for the
national day which should be above politics.
The choice of the Merdeka theme and the logo created so much
controversy that is yet to be amicably settled. We now have one theme and logo
by the ruling party and another for the opposition, which is totally absurd.
To add to the controversies is the decision by certain
quarters who want people to join in the annual Merdeka eve countdown at Dataran
Merdeka, wearing yellow T-shirts, the color of Bersih, the movement calling for
free and clean elections. This has been objected to by the government which
warned them not to do so as they do not have a permit to gather. It doesn’t
make sense asking group of citizens to obtain a permit to gather and celebrate
their national day. There is even talk that only selected people are allowed to
join in the celebration in the Bukit Jalil Stadium on the night of August 31st.
These have created a scenario where there are two sets of celebrations, one or the
ruling party and another for the opposition.
Such divisive politics was never witnessed before when
Malaysians of all ethnicity and walks of life, regardless of their political
ideologies, were free to participate in the celebrations as they wished.As long
as they gathered in peace, there were no restrictions on the way they
celebrated or the color of the attire they wore. No police permit was needed.
All it mattered was they were all citizens and that was enough to unite them in
sharing their pride and joy of their independent nation.
The Merdeka celebrations are not only for political parties.
It is for all Malaysians regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity
or creed. It is a day to recall and be grateful to the many who put behind
their differences, united and sacrificed so much regain the sovereignty of the
nation. It would be a tragedy if we allow it to be hijacked by political
parties for their own gains. We long for a day when our leaders from across the political divide can
come together to celebrate Merdeka with the masses whom they claim to serve
unconditionally. That will be greatest lesson on unity that they can
demonstrate to the people.
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