The Millennials

Megat Zaim Zhafir
Full name: Megat Zaim Zhafir bin Megat Nawawi
b. 1994 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Diploma in Art & Design (Fine Art), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seri Iskandar, Perak
(with plans to further his education in the future)
The work of Maruah Bangsa Merdeka (Honor the Nation of Independence) depicts
five high school students standing upright, with both hands placed sideways and
straight down, watching the raising of the Jalur Gemilang. I was trying to capture a
precious moment of an assembly where Negaraku song was sung.
The Negaraku song is the Malaysia’s national anthem. It was selected as the
national anthem when the Malaya gained an independence from the British in
1957. As a national anthem, Negaraku song symbolizes the identity and dignity of
an independent nation. And the flag is a symbol of the sovereignty of a nation that
is closely linked to the patriotic spirit in defending the dignity, race, religion and
nationality. The flag is also a symbol of leadership, honor, dignity and citizenship for
a nation. Therefore, the use of the flag and its honor are a symbol of nationalism.
However, in recent times, the spirit of love for the nation has faded as the
independence culture is less practiced and lack of nationalism. The last time I
remembered, my passion and love for my nation was when I was in high school and
it’s disappeared after pursuing my study in university and started working.
It is a hope that I can regain my love for the nation as I will be the next generation in
continuing the legacy.
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