With only about a week left till Malaysia’s 61st National Day, there is an undeniable change in the air, what with the “New Malaysia” that has unfolded since the country’s last General Election in May. So, get ready to celebrate Merdeka with renewed perspective and energy this year, by immersing all five senses in the red, white, blue and yellow this coming National Day on August 31 through five ways we feel will bring out the most of your patriotism.
1. Enjoy the taste of Malaysia
With its delicious blend of bold kopi c flavour and silky smooth milk chocolate, the Cadbury Dairy Milk Kopi C Limited Edition is Cadbury’s first ever localised limited edition flavour, reminiscent of two memorable flavours that the nation grew up and are familiar with, is made available exclusively for the Malaysian market.
Along with this nostalgic taste are additional sleeves that feature hand-drawn illustrations by iconic Malaysian cartoonist, Datuk Lat, whose Kampung Boy series embodies the very essence of Malaysian culture.
The three pieces of drawings in Datuk Lat’s signature style features the Kampung Boy himself, Lat, depicted at various stages of his life from a young boy to a man in three typical Malaysian scenarios: at a kenduri (a gathering of a community), a kopitiam (traditional coffee shop in Malaysia) and a kedai runcit (local sundry shop) – all centred around Malaysians’ love for food, which is in line with Cadbury Dairy Milk’s running theme of “bringing joy through food”.
2. Wear the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ with pride
Handmade by the orang asli youths, University students and volunteers, the Projek57 Unity Ribbon is a call towards every Malaysian out there to stay united, through thick and thin, and to accept one another regardless of who they are and where they are from.
Basically the key philosophy behind the non-political social enterprise Projek57, established based on the inspirational vision of a nation’s togetherness, every little detail on the Unity Ribbon represents something of Malaysia and of being Malaysian.
Get yours today at the Projek57 online shop, and snap a photo of yourself wearing it on Instagram with the hashtag #BersatuTeguh to keep the conversation going.
The renowned Malaysian rapper celebrates the upcoming National Day with FashionValet with the Joe Flizzow x FashionValet ‘1957’ Collection, inspired by the Jalur Gemilang that comprises of the red, white, blue and yellow on the Malaysian flag. Reminiscent of Joe’s personal style, hoodies, jumpers, tank tops, baseball shirts, T-shirts and joggers encompass the unisex collection, with some pieces bearing his signature, as well as the numbers ‘1957’ boldly splashed across the front.
Available now online at FashionValet, as well as the brick and mortar stores at Bangsar Village II, Pavilion KL, IOI City Mall Putrajaya and Publika.
Show off your patriotism towards Malaysia with the Hackett London Limited Edition Malaysia Country Polo, upon one of the House’s most iconic styles since 1987. A symbol of national pride, the Malaysia polo is emblazoned with the word “Malaysia” on the back, embroidered with a Polo-inspired chest motif and the Jalur Gemilang, and the number one on the sleeve and back.
Available now at the Hackett London boutique in Pavilion KL.
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3. Check out local made productions
Starring Izzue Islam, Lim Mei Fen and Erma Fatima, Tanah Akhirku is a merdeka theatre on unity and patriotism, which will begin its performance at the Panggung Sari at Istana Budaya from August 28 till September 1.
Tanah Akhirku is set against the backdrop of a Chinese tin mining community in 1900s Nanyang, where the coolies from China and India are being exploited to make money for the British colonists. The local Malay royalties, who defend the interest of native Malays, too suffer from “power grab” by the British. Oppressed under the “divide and rule” tactic of the cunning British colonist, the people of different backgrounds who speak different languages have to put aside their differences, and prioritise harmony to win against racism, injustice and dominance of corrupted power.
Tickets to the play is available here.
Treat your ears to some good local live music over at The Bee, Publika tomorrow at the Merdeka Baru: Konsert Merdeka Pertama Pasca Malaysia Lama – in the spirit of a ‘New Malaysia’, when local Malaysian bands will come together for a night of songs and camaraderie. With a mere RM25 entry fee, you get to see seven bands perform their best, including the likes of Kyoto Protocol, Couple and the famed ‘90s alternative rock band OAG.
4. Collect special edition memorabilia
Your daily coffee run is about to get an extra kick, with Starbucks‘ first collaboration with Malaysian designer Rico Rinaldi, a series of exclusive merchandise to celebrate Merdeka, available only for a limited time in Starbucks outlets throughout Malaysia.
Available from August 31 onwards, the Rico Rinaldi + Starbucks® Designer collection consists of a Double Walled Mug (a ceramic mug with painted ceramic lid and gold detailing on the rim), and a Thermos Tumbler (thermos stainless steel tumbler with spill proof lid), decorated with designs inspired from three endangered animals representing the elements of nature – forest (tiger), sea (sea turtle) and air (hornbill), amidst bold colours reminiscent of Malaysia’s heritage, flag and the diverse flora and fauna.
5. Play host at a famous Malaysian landmark
Heading out of Klang Valley during the Merdeka long weekend? Might we suggest heading up North to Penang, and spend One Night at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, recently seen in the much talked about Crazy Rich Asians, starring Malaysian-born stars Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding.
Gather up to 35 of your friends, and head towards the iconic Blue Mansion for an experience befitting of a party thrown by Chinese tycoon Cheong Fatt Tze, who was the original owner of the house in the late 19th century – with all 18 rooms of the boutique hotel at your disposal!
Shower your friends and yourself with lavish welcome gifts that are evocative of Penang in each room, followed by a Nyonya afternoon tea and mahjong session to get the party going. When dusk falls, a sundowner cocktail session paired with a private guzheng performance in one of the mansion’s five courtyards lead the path towards a five-course gourmet feast of contemporary East-meets-West dishes at Indigo, helmed by Executive Chef Weng.
Keep the gathering rowdy till the break of dawn, where guests may enjoy champagne breakfast amidst the early morning tranquillity of the main courtyard, or enjoy a princely slumber in one of the 18 well-facilitated rooms, and wake up to breakfast in bed with some French bubbly included.
Enquire on your Best Merdeka Celebration Party yet here.
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