A Nuance to a Perpetual, Overall Freedom

The word "Merdeka" reminisces a deeper meaning and carries along with it countless meaningful memories for some. In Malaysia, we often heard “Merdeka” being chanted on the brink of our Independence Day or during the celebration itself, accompanied by the glorious imagery of national flags being waved back and forth as a symbolic of celebrating the freedom of our nation, our minds and thoughts as well as our lifestyle.

A glance into the etymology of the word itself is a subject of various interpretations according to different cultural understandings in different times and how these different cultures assign meaning to it. In general, “Merdeka” means “independent” or “free” and this particular notion is proven true as the closest and most similar origin of it dates back to the Sanskrit word “Maharddhika” which means rich, prosperous and powerful. In Bahasa Melayu, “Merdeka” or “Merdaheka” resonates a rather holistic interpretation to it as does not just symbolize a state of being “free” from colonialism, instead, it encompasses the state of freedom of our thoughts, our faith and our lifestyle from any sorts of intrusive mental and physical conquests.

All in all, it is crucial to note that despite these slight differences in its interpretation, it does not rule out the collective meaning that nuances “freedom”.