Merdeka is a word in the Malay language meaning independence or freedom. The term was significant during the anti-colonialist and pro-independence movements of the colonies of Malaya, in the history of Malaysia. It became a battle-cry for those demanding independence from the colonial administrations of the United Kingdom.
Today, Malaysia got what it wanted. It became an independent nation completely free from all foreign control. But the question now remains, why do some of us, especially the orang asli feel that we have never really achieved any independence? It only seems that it was just a transference of one foreign control to another...
Sadly, the very people who saw the value and need of freedom for themselves, could not see the same value and need for freedom in others...
Camera/Editor/Producer/Narrator: Nick Josh Karean, a Fellow of the Malaysiakini - ICFJ citizen journalism workshop
