Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has praised the enthusiasm shown by young Malaysians during this year’s Merdeka celebrations, saying it reflects that the younger generation still values and appreciates the country’s independence.
Tun Mahathir says Merdeka spirit among young M’sians is still alive
“Saya gembira kerana sambutan masih hangat (betul-betul hangat),” he wrote, joking about both the enthusiasm of the celebrations and the hot weather. One thing that particularly caught his attention was the number of young Malaysians who had turned up to watch the parade.
He also said he saw many young Malaysians from Malay, Chinese and Indian backgrounds among the spectators, rejecting the notion that the younger generation no longer appreciates Merdeka.
According to Tun Mahathir, the young spectators appeared genuinely happy to be there, celebrating the country’s independence with such enthusiasm that it was as though they themselves had just gained freedom after being colonised.
For him, seeing Malaysians from different backgrounds coming together in this way was more than simply a sight at a national celebration.
He also said that this is the kind of spirit that would help preserve the country.
He ended the post by saying there is nothing more noble than defending the country that Malaysians call home.
