Malam Gema Merdeka is an annual event in Sydney that serves to reflect on the journey of Malaysia as an independent nation and all the trials and tribulations in its fight for independence. For 2007, it was jointly organised by the Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (MASCA) New South Wales and Kelab UMNO New South Wales (KUNSW) as the year marks a significant milestone for Malaysia, celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence.
Malam Gema Merdeka 2007 with the theme Celebrating 50 Years of Nationhood is a night of musical drama performed by the Malaysian students studying in Australia, seeking to create an atmosphere of patriotism and celebration of Malaysia as a culturally rich, modern, and nature-loving nation. A buffet-style Malaysian cuisine was first served at the Matthew’s Pavilion, University of New South Wales (UNSW), before the performance to indulge guests in a truly Malaysian experience.
Next, all the guests walked over to the Science Theatre, UNSW for the musical sketch performance.
Performed by Malaysian university students from around the New South Wales, the performance comprised elements of drama, musical, comedy, traditional dances and literary recitals. The event was officiated by the Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia.
A Chinese dance was first performed for the opening of the event.
Check out the opening video:
The opening was then followed by a musical sketch about Puteri, a girl blessed with all the simple gifts of life, a loving family, supportive friends and a future full of promises. A Malay dance was performed depicting the village life in Malaysia.
Next was a sketch of Puteri at home. An unexpected visit soon became a catalyst to a journey to the unfamiliar; leaving her at crossroads.
Does she stay for the ones she loves, or embark on a journey to with a promising future? While Puteri was still thinking, another Malay dance was performed.
Since Puteri needed more time to think, an Indian dance then followed.
After much contemplation, assisted by persuasions, Puteri finally makes the decision to leave home, and so begins her journey.
Arriving into Australia, Puteri was exposed to the different lifestyle of Malaysians overseas.
Soon, the sense of pride for her origins and her country began to fade and buried inside her. Nonetheless, an incident one day (depicted by modern dance) made her awakened a heart long left asleep.
Awaken, she finally realized that no matter where she goes, no matter where her journey leads her to, her love for her country can never be erased. It stays, deeply embedded inside her.
Coming towards an end, we had the Merdeka Shout, a familiar icon of Malaysian independence imitating Tunku Abdul Rahman’s 1957 proclamation of independence where raised his hand, leading the crowd cheering Merdeka!!
After the cheering, the event was followed by several renditions of the Malaysian national songs and the closing credits or end sequence for the event introducing the performers and organising committees.
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the independence of Malaysia, the High Commission of Malaysia in Australia also awarded Academic Excellence certificates to five students during the night.
The memorable event came to a close with a group photo of us from UOW.
Special thanks to Jun Lin for the pictures.
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