BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ

On August 31, 2024, the nation Malaysia is set to celebrate the 67th edition of Merdeka or independence from the British colonialists and the rakyat is looking forward with gusto to the event which is an annual celebration.

While to the younger set of generations Merdeka does not rankle much in their minds and hearts, for those of us seniors the achievement of Merdeka is treasured and it brings up living memories to the elderly.

But what really does independence to a nation mean? Understanding the concept of being an independent nation in a multi racial, multi religious and multicultural environment is a really big challenge.

Merdeka or independence simply means the people of this nation, established as a constitutional monarchy, should practice the full tenets and obligations of democracy without anyone tinkering or seeking to make changes to it.

There must be in place fair play, justice and meritocracy practised by all Malaysians and the Madani concept has been conceived for us to follow and obey so that every Malaysian may prosper.

Living in a democracy means there should be peace and harmony savoured by every Malaysian and there should be no partisan politics or discrimination but there must be that unity in diversity understanding that each of us in this country must embrace.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher