It’s been 49 years since Malaysia became a nation, when Tunku Abdul Rahman said that 10 million people of many races now join hands in freedom and unity. But even back then, the vision of what was to become Malaysia was contested. What remains of the vision of Malaysia today? And how do we celebrate Malaysia Day as Malaysians?
Malaysia Day
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Merdeka and the rise of citizens
By Ding Jo-Ann
MALAYSIANS are no longer content to watch the official government-organised Merdeka parade on their televisions. Instead, they have been taking to the streets to celebrate Merdeka in their own way. What’s behind these different celebrations and do they make Malaysians unpatriotic?
Najib’s legal reforms legacy
Holding Court By Ding Jo-Ann
Malaysia will be more open and democratic with “revolutionary” new laws that will herald a “new era”, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Really? Has Najib made good on his promises? We take a look at the prime minister’s legacy of legal reforms since Malaysia Day 2011.
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Reimagining Malaysia
By Ding Jo-Ann
UNTIL recently, Malaysia had been celebrating independence with parades and banners proclaiming the number of years that have passed since 1957. This inaccuracy has been brought to light over the past few years as more people begin to understand the significance of 16 Sept 1963, when Malaysia was formed. People and politicians alike have now […]
Found in Malaysia Vol 2 is launched
By Gan Pei Ling and Lainie Yeoh
The Nut Graph has continued exploring our shared migrant roots as Malaysians through the Found in Malaysia series of interviews on the website. Now, we’ve compiled another 50 interviews with notable local personalities into a second book, Found in Malaysia Volume 2. Published by ZI Publications, the book will soon be available at bookstores […]
Found in Malaysia book launch
Compiled by Koh Lay Chin
WHAT better day to unveil The Nut Graph‘s Found in Malaysia book than on Malaysia Day on 16 Sept 2010 last week. The book is after all, a compilation of interviews with prominent Malaysians of different lineage on what their Malaysian identity means. Found in Malaysia, published by ZI Publications and now available in good […]
Jay Cee, the cow, speaks up
By The Fairly Current Show
MUCH has been written and debated about the Shah Alam cow-head protest. Members of the Section 19 and 23 communities, politicians, provocateurs, bloggers, the traditional and online media, the international media, concerned Malaysians, ugly Malaysians, beautiful Malaysians — they’ve all had their say. But one voice remains unheard. The most important voice. This week, The […]
Hopes for Malaysia Day
By Ineza RoussilleI WAS one of those who visited the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Section 19, Shah Alam on 4 Sept. The visit, comprising a small group of about 30 Malaysians, was initiated as an act of solidarity with the Hindus on the receiving end of the now infamous cow-head protest a week earlier. We brought […]
One Malaysia, two halves
By Yasmin Masidi(Festive image by ba1969 / sxc.hu) THE build-up to Malaysia’s 46th birthday began this year, for me, with an argument between two acquaintances. A West Malaysian acquaintance said the prevailing notion that Malaysia is 52 years old, versus its actual birth in 1963, is a matter of interpretation. An East Malaysian acquaintance angrily pointed out […]
Malaysia Day
By The Nut Graph teamPOP quiz: Is Malaysia 46 or 52? Historical facts show that the Federated Malay states gained independence on 31 Aug 1957. Thus, Malaya was freed from colonial rule 52 years ago. But the birth of Malaysia itself, when Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined the independent Malay states, took place on 16 Sept 1963. That makes […]
