Time to reflect on true meaning of Merdeka

With National Day just around the corner, Malaysians take time out to reflect on what Merdeka means to them as well as express their gratitude for a country that has been good to them.

Couple S. Jeevan, 53, and J. Shanthi, 48, said their parents explained to them when they were young what it meant when the British rule ended.

“We were taught that independence represents freedom for our country and the right to self-govern.

“Now we explain to our children the importance of this day,” said Jeevan who is a chief insurance agency manager at Penang Shirdi Sai Baba Centre in Queen Street, Penang.

The centre held an early Merdeka celebration, handing out Jalur Gemilang to people in the area.

Shanthi said they always made sure to have the Jalur Gemilang at home and at the office as a reminder of the many blessings enjoyed by Malaysians.

“Merdeka Day is a time of thanksgiving and celebration for us,” she said.

C. Pavithiraa, 29, who was out shopping with her nephew G. Thamil, five, said her family made it a point to tell Thamil about the National Day.

Pavithiraa and nephew Thamil happily waving the Jalur Gemilang distributed by Penang Shirdi Sai Baba Centre in Queen Street. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star

“We try to explain to him it’s the nation’s birthday and that’s why we display the flags,” she said.

“I am not sure how much he understands but he loves to wave the flag,” she added.

As part of the celebration, the Shirdi Sai Baba Centre served free ais kacang to the public.

Guests were treated to a classical fusion dance and lunch.

Shirdi Sai Baba Society of Malaysia chairman Datuk S.P. Kannan said the group gave out 5,000 Jalur Gemilang at their 17 branches throughout Malaysia.

“This is something we do every year, apart from the daily free meals we offer at our centres around the country,” he said.

Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, who was the guest of honour at the event, walked around Little India to distribute the flags before joining the centre’s celebration.

“A profound sense of pride engulfs us as we unfurl the Jalur Gemilang and display it prominently outside our homes and shops.

“It symbolises not only our freedom but also our deep affection for this land we call home,” she said. Lim (centre) and representatives from Penang Shirdi Sai Baba Centre giving out the Jalur Gemilang.