Nothing makes the feeling of kinship stronger than when you celebrate your birthday with the nation and fellow Malaysians.
Birthdays – an occasion everyone looks forward to because it is a time when we receive special wishes from family and friends, and celebrate with loved ones. For those born on Merdeka Day, it is extra special because they get to celebrate it with the whole nation. Three Malaysians from INTI International University & Colleges share what it means to celebrate their birthday on this remarkable day.
Tiong Zhi Yun enjoying the festive atmosphere in a mall as a Merdeka baby.
The millennium baby
Living in Malaysia and celebrating her birthday together with the nation has always been an excitement for Tiong Zhi Yun. Born on the 31st of August 2001 in the national capital of Malaysia, Zhi Yun finds this day significant as it marks the day Malaysia became an independent country 64 years ago.
“As a Malaysian, Merdeka Day means a lot to me as it denotes independence, freedom, and sovereignty. It rekindles my patriotic spirit and reminds me of the contributions and sacrifices of past leaders who helped secure our independence,” said 20-year-old Zhi Yun who pursued the American Degree Transfer Programme at INTI International College Subang.
Being born on 31st August in Malaysia has its perks and Zhi Yun considers herself lucky because she is entitled to enjoy most of them.
“I’m privileged as I get to redeem freebies and enjoy promotions from various stores on my birthday. I think I need to thank my lucky stars and my parents as I’m able to celebrate my birthday on this special day,” joked the bubbly Zhi Fun.
Though she was never able to celebrate her birthday with her friends at school as it was a public holiday, Zhi Yun enjoyed watching the fireworks, parades and the sight of the Jalur Gemilang put up at every house to commemorate this day while growing up.
Malaysia will forever remain close to Zhi Yun’s heart. Besides sharing her birthday with her home country, Zhi Yun is grateful for the culture and environment she was brought up in.
“Malaysia is a country that is blessed with a multicultural society, rich natural resources, and delicious food. The beauty of being Malaysian lies in sharing a strong common bond of accepting each other’s diversity and striving to build a cohesive community. This is who we are and nothing can tear us apart. We’ve braved through situations that could have broken us down, but our Malaysian spirit has kept us glued together and that is definitely a joy of being a Malaysian,” she added proudly.
Like any other person, Zhi Yun too has aspirations for her country.
“My aspirations for Malaysia include building a future-proof education system that maximizes human potential, policies that emphasize sustainability, and good governance. As we move towards a culture of innovation, I hope more platforms will be available for youths to be heard as they are the leaders of tomorrow. I also hope we can create a compassionate society with a caring collective spirit so that we can overcome the Covid-19 challenges for a brighter future,” she said.
Rachel Tan believes love, respect, and Malaysian food brings people together.
The blessed baby
“I’m so blessed to be living in Malaysia. The climate is not too extreme, there are plenty of sights to see, there is so much history and culture that I’ll never fully finish learning. As for the food, I’m absolutely spoiled for choice that I’m not even sure where to begin,” gushed Rachel Tan, a lecturer at INTI International College Subang.
Rachel, who is also a Merdeka baby, said 31st August has always been a very special day for her. She said, “It’s a day of gratitude. The words in the song by Dato’ Sudirman, Tanggal 31 Ogos sums it all up – ‘Hari yang mulia, hari Bahagia, sambut dengan jiwa yang merdeka’.”
She also admits feeling a sense of connection to the country as she celebrates her birthday on the day Malaysia rejoices its independence. Rachel added, “As a Malaysian, being born on this day is a great honour.”
Rachel, who hails from the royal town of Klang, sees the joy of being a Malaysian in the simplest of things.
“Special to me is determined by the people around me and the feelings at that moment, not so much the activity. Celebrations, simple or grand, or even a simple text message means the world to me,” shared Rachel, adding that one of the benefits of being born on 31st August is that it is a public holiday.
Recounting one of her past birthdays, Rachel further shared, “One of the most memorable birthdays for me was when I received a RM200 birthday gift voucher from a restaurant that I was dining at on Merdeka eve a few years ago.”
On a more serious note, Rachel reminded that as Malaysians we need to uphold the spirit of tolerance, respect and unity so that we can continue enjoying peace in the country.
“Different generations in this country have contributed towards its growth and have brought about great change. Our forefathers fought hard for freedom, and as a nation we celebrate our Independence Day. Over the years, they have worked hard to grow and develop the country’s economy, and today, many of us are enjoying the fruits of their labour. As we do that, we need to remember those who may not have that same privilege, and we need to help make a difference for them,” concluded Rachel.
Ruby Wong with her parents; she feels blessed and grateful for their unconditional love and support.
The hopeful baby
Hailing from Puchong, 28-year-old Ruby Wong has high hopes that the country will bounce back from the effects of the pandemic. Ruby, also born on Malaysia’s day of independence, is certain that it is possible.
“I feel lucky to be born on the country’s Independence Day. An added bonus is having a public holiday on my birthday,” chuckled Ruby, a staff of INTI International College Subang.
Reminiscing her childhood memories, Ruby shared how she had the best time celebrating her birthday in kindergarten., “My parents would spoil me rotten; they would buy me a cake to celebrate with my classmates and it will be continued with games after. That moment I would say is pure bliss.”
Growing up, Ruby always felt the whole Malaysia was celebrating her birthday. “I remember August was always the month we would have a mega-sale in shopping malls! It felt like all the malls were celebrating my birthday. Also, I was offered special discounts for food and entertainment, sometimes I was given free gifts too,” Ruby shared about the perks of being a Merdeka baby.
“Malaysia has always been known as a melting pot of diverse heritage, arts and culture. As she turns 64, the patriotism still cascades from generation to generation as we still use the same replies, ‘I am Malaysian’, when asked about our nationality or race,” added Ruby, feeling patriotic about her country.
In line with the Merdeka Day theme this year, Malaysia Prihatin, Ruby said, “The people of this country together with the government of the day will continue fighting Covid-19 on top of prioritizing the welfare and wellbeing of each other. I’m confident that we will not give up and will continue striving until things go back to normal.”