ABC of Merdeka

Professor Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak

Learning Curve: Perspective

New Sunday Times - 09-09-2012

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Let’s treasure Merdeka moments

 

MERDEKA celebrations are days to behold, especially the recent 55th anniversary which fell on a Friday in the month of Syawal. It was an auspicious day particularly for Muslims.

 

This year, Aug 31 was Blue Moon day, which is a rare event. Last month was Blue Moon month as there were two full moons -- Aug 1 was the first full moon, while the second fell on Aug 31. A vedic astrologer signified it as a time for people to unite.

 

There was a outpouring of love for Malaysia. SMK Pulau Carey students made the largest Jalur Gemilang out of 71,400 straws and earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records. Imperia Hospitality College baked a 244cm-long Merdeka cake made from 40kg of flour, 15kg of sugar and 800 eggs.

 

Uncle Ting Tong, a popular name for toy maker Rosli Yusup, transformed himself into an eight foot-tall giant clown draped in the national flag on independence day.

 

The Janji Demokrasi gathering at Dataran Merdeka was mainly a peaceful assembly. This was an important development as it signaled Malaysia's maturity as a sovereign nation.

 

This became more apparent as we flipped through the newspapers and read the messages, for example " ... let us remember that freedom comes with responsibility.

 

"We believe that together, we can ensure our country remains sovereign, united and progressive -- ideals perfectly captured in Negaraku, our song of hope, peace and freedom."

 

Another read: "The wishes may be different, but the dream we share is the same... Together, let's drive the nation forward." The next one said: "There's only one way to achieve sustainable growth and progress; being TOGETHER. Because united, we're unstoppable."

 

Most messages made us reflect on how lucky we have been for the last 55 years and that we should not take things for granted.

 

The one that took the cake was: "1 bowl of ABC." Yes, air batu campur -- the indigenous Malaysian non-alcoholic "sling"! The message read: "Where each part is different and good by itself, but only at its best when put together. Where we may disagree on some things -- such as what kind of nuts we like best -- but agree on so much more."

 

The thrust of the matter will ring loud and clear the next we gulp ABC to the very last drop!

 

All these happenings were made possible, thanks to Merdeka. Their effects may not last for a long time. By now Uncle Ting Tong may be forgotten. The Blue Moon will go away. The straw flag will fade into the background and the cake would have been polished off.

 

But this is not necessarily so if we internalise the Merdeka events and the messages it brought about. Every day can be Merdeka day -- not so much for its overt celebrations, but more for its spirit of unity, togetherness and the sense of achievement as citizens of a proud nation.

 

As the days pass, this camaraderie can serve as an effective filter for the noises that will once again fill the air, no thanks to the chatter of uncanny partisan politicians. The loudness often drowns even the loudest Merdeka celebrations, leaving a bad taste in the mouth.

 

After 55 years of Merdeka, we should know better than to allow this to happen. Like ABC, the Merdeka spirit is too special to be allowed to fade away.

 

ABC is what it is only when all the ingredients -- the nuts, jelly, beans, nutmegs and creamy corn kernels -- with their different colours, taste and textures are mixed together. Malaysia is just as unique.

 

Regardless of politics, let us make sure that Merdeka lives on in all of us as the country's unique experience is like eating ABC -- with an extra scoop of ice cream to top it all!

 

- The writer is the vice-chancellor of Albukhary International University