What an irony when PMX Anwar Ibrahim kicked off his National Day 2024 themed “Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka” address by giving stern warning against any party supposedly sowing disharmony that the government will consider amending related laws if existing provisions are insufficient to snuff out racial tension. Fahmi Fadzil, the Communications Minister, explained that Jiwa Merdeka expresses the freedom of the people from any negative elements in interpreting the patriotic spirit through the aspects of thinking; yet we see grouses from Perikatan Nasional leaders on the restricted freedom of speech in their statements in conjunction with Merdeka Day today.
In this episode, three Sarawakians explored their journey in coming to a reconciled understanding of the significance of both National Day and Malaysia Day, and what we wish to see in days ahead for Malaysia, a rainbow nation in the making.
