Malaysia celebrates its 59th year of Independence today. Free from being a British colony, we mark August 31, 1957 as the most revered date in our hearts and minds.
As the Jalur Gemilang sways gently in the smoggy haze outside in my garden, I have been humming some tunes that have been etched, nay branded in my being from my good old school days.
If only we sing these songs of freedom and actually mean it. This is me being nostalgic, hoping that the gift of song will magically transform people to live in harmony.
Let us go down memory lane and revisit Merdeka songs that you may have sung to with much gusto, pride and love. I know I did.
1. Tanah Pusaka was written by the Grand Old Man of Broadcasting, Ahmad Merican, just after Merdeka in 1957, when the newly independent Malaya needed patriotic songs to rouse love for the country. Its lyrics were written by Wan Ahmad Kamal.
2. Putera Puteri was a composition by Jimmy Boyle, a Penangite of Eurasian descent, who refers to all of us as the princes and princesses of the nation. This jazzy number was sung by Kathleen Rodrigues.
3. Malaysia Tanah Air Ku, composed by Johar Bahar, is a truly beautiful song which lyrics include ‘pusaka tinggalan moyangku’ (refers to Malaysia, a treasure bequeathed by my ancestors) that rings true to my heart.
4. Setia, introduced in the late 80s carries the meaning of being truly loyal to the country. This catchy melody and lyrics by Ahmad Dasilah is very pleasant to the ear.
5. Tanggal 31 Ogos was actually composed by Indonesian Ahmad CB in the 60s and was given an upbeat tempo by the late Sudirman Hj Arshad in the 80s. This all-time favourite is sung during National Day celebrations nationwide, but why do we have to wait for a celebration. Let us accompany Sudirman and sing this song right now.
Tanggal 31 Ogos (translated)
On the thirty-first
The month of August, 1957
Merdeka, Merdeka, definitely Merdeka
It will surely go down in history
The month of August, 1957
Merdeka, Merdeka, definitely Merdeka
It will surely go down in history
On the thirty-first
The month of August, 1957
A noble day, a joyful day,
Celebrate it with the spirit of freedom
The month of August, 1957
A noble day, a joyful day,
Celebrate it with the spirit of freedom
Come, citizens of Malaysia
Together let’s celebrate our independence, Merdeka!
Thirty first of the month of August, fifty seven
A noble day, my country is free
(2X)
Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka…!
Together let’s celebrate our independence, Merdeka!
Thirty first of the month of August, fifty seven
A noble day, my country is free
(2X)
Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka…!
SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA KE 59 - 2016
From:
Mohd. Kamal Abdullah, wife and family,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
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