Malaysians In The US celebrate 68th Merdeka With Pride And Reflection

WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Bernama)  -- Patriotism, unity, and pride in Malaysia’s diverse heritage were at the heart of celebrations at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, D.C., as Malaysians gathered to commemorate the country’s 68th Independence Day.

In a statement Tuesday, Malaysia’s Ambassador to the United States, Tan Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, commended the Malaysian community abroad for carrying the spirit of Merdeka with them, even while living far from home.

A veteran diplomat who previously served as Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, Muhammad Shahrul assumed his new role as ambassador last month following his appointment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

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He shared that he was deeply moved by the patriotism and love for the homeland shown by Malaysians he has met across the US, praising their enduring sense of unity despite the distance from home.

“Independence is a priceless gift — one that teaches us to stand on our own, to grow, and to mature as a nation,” Muhammad Shahrul said.

Having previously served at Malaysia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, he noted that for Malaysians living abroad, Merdeka is a time to reflect on the country’s journey and to reaffirm their bond with its rich and diverse cultural heritage.

He also urged Malaysians to uphold the nation’s good name by being law-abiding and respectable members of their host communities, while showcasing Malaysia’s multicultural values, professional ethics, and active civic spirit.

“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, my sincere hope is that we can look back at how far we have come, and move forward to build a strong, bonded Malaysian society here in this country,” he said.

The long Labour Day weekend did not deter Malaysians — including students and families travelling from as far as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania — from attending the celebration.

The morning event began with the hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang, accompanied by a rendition of the national anthem Negaraku.

The Anak Warisan choir performed the patriotic song Keranamu Malaysia, drawing enthusiastic applause, and the ceremony also featured the recitation of the national pledge.

Following the formal proceedings, guests had the opportunity to mingle with the ambassador and his wife, Puan Sri Izdina Izaidin, as well as embassy officials, while savouring a variety of traditional Malaysian dishes such as nasi minyak, rendang daging, dalca, and an assortment of local desserts.

Meanwhile, Timmothy Scott, who shared his impressions of the event, said, “I feel really fortunate to have attended the Merdeka Day celebrations and the celebratory feast.

As an American married to a Malaysian, it was such a joy to meet the embassy staff and other guests. Seeing so many Malaysians come together in one place was both heartwarming and inspiring.

The hospitality extended by the ambassador and staff was truly outstanding, and the food was absolutely wonderful.

“What I enjoyed most was the chance to meet Malaysians in a setting outside the usual day-to-day routine. It gave me a deeper appreciation of the culture, traditions, and the strong sense of community that my wife has always cherished. The experience left me feeling more connected, not just to her roots, but to the spirit of Malaysia itself,” he added.

Naveena Govindasamy, a Malaysian who recently relocated to Northern Virginia from California, described her family’s first Merdeka celebration at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington as “an incredible experience.”

She said the event was significant for her 10-year-old daughter, Isabel Diya Theodore.

“She wore the Baju Kurung and enjoyed the festive environment with the Malaysian diaspora. Since she has not experienced Merdeka in Malaysia before, this will be a special memory for our family, and we are grateful for the warm welcome from the Embassy community,” Naveena added.

The event was further enriched by the presence of more than 40 officers and personnel from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), currently undergoing joint training with the US Coast Guard.

Cdr (M) Mohd Fahimi bin Omar, one of the MMEA officers, shared that celebrating Independence Day outside Malaysia for the first time was a thrilling experience, especially witnessing the strong sense of patriotism among Malaysians in the United States.

Several Malaysian Navy and Army officers pursuing studies at the National Defence University in Washington also attended.

-- BERNAMA