In Merdeka parade, a more steely Malaysia on display
The Malay Mail Online – 3 hours agoRELATED CONTENT
- Tanks participate in the parade and procession in conjunction with the Merdeka Day …
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — Known for its showcase of the country’s multicultural heritage, this year’s Merdeka Day parade took different tone and instead appeared almost to be a display of Malaysia’s military might.
In place of dancers in colourful traditional costumes, the avenue in front of the historic Merdeka Square here was swathed in olive drab as contingents of battle tanks and armoured vehicles trundled down the street.
Behind them, uniformed soldiers marching in lock-step with weapons held high in salute.
The icy display was perhaps a reflection of the tragedies that have befallen the nation in recent months, as though the aviation disasters of MH370 and MH17 have strengthened the nation’s resolve but also hardened its soul.
Still, it did not stop thousands of Malaysians from thronging the Merdeka Square and its vicinity, waving the Jalur Gemilang with gusto as the procession went on.
But even the crowd hinted at what was ailing the nation.
On a day that the country commemorates the independence jointly won from the British by its various communities 57 years ago, those gathered to mark the occasion were overwhelmingly Malay.
The largely Malay assembly blew on party horns, with some garbed head-to-toe in the colours of the Malaysian flag. Many also donned pro-Palestine scarves being sold along the road leading to the historic square.
Scattered among them were foreigners who came to view the spectacle. Those from the country’s other communities were largely noticed for their absence.
But despite reports of growing friction among the communities, those present were optimistic of the country’s future.
“I think we are doing better as a country. We are all still united despite the news, so it’s still relevant for us to celebrate,” 30-year-old Juliana Abdul Rahman told Malay Mail Online.
A family of five dressed fully attire in the design of the Malaysian flag attire, was waving their flags enthusiastically throughout the whole procession.
The father, Rosli Hassan, 39 was also happy with the direction the country is heading toward.
“I think there has been improvement, we are all closer together... They failed to make everything racial,” he said.
An Indian Muslim family of four told Malay Mail Online that they have been coming to the Merdeka Day celebrations 10 years in a row.
They, too, shared the same positive sentiments.
“I think we are getting okay; it’s reasonable,” Sharif Osman, 50 said.
