Communication that unites Malaysia

ONCE in the month of August, Malaysians will remember a seven-game marathon at Merdeka Stadium on 31 August 1957.

The march not only marked the end of colonial rule in the Federation of Malaya, it was a milestone on the road to building a nation that eventually expanded into the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963.

For the people of Sarawak, the meaning of independence has a broader meaning. The history of Sarawak was shaped through different paths before together Sabah and Singapore formed Malaysia.

Therefore, the national spirit in Sarawak is not only based on the celebration of National Day on August 31. It is also celebrated through Malaysia Day on 16 September, which commemorates the formation of a multi-ethnic, religious, cultural and territorial state.

Despite its different historical backgrounds, the goal remains the same: to build a nation called Malaysia that is united, secure, and prosperous.

Over nearly seven decades, the way Malaysians communicate and convey messages of patriotism has changed with technological advances. However, the role of communication as a link between societies remains important.

At the beginning of the era of independence, radio became one of the main means of connecting people with national development. When television and newspapers were not yet widely accessible to all sections of society, radio was able to bring news, information and entertainment directly to the listeners' homes, including in rural areas.

In Sarawak, radio plays a much larger role. The landforms separated by rivers, forests and highlands resulted in the radio being a communications bridge connecting communities from Kuching to Lawas. Radio is more than just news. It has also become a medium of education, the dissemination of government information, and a strengthening of unity among multi-ethnic communities.

In the 1970s to 1990s, television played an important role in building the spirit of patriotism through live broadcasts of National Day celebrations, historical documentaries, state-themed dramas and patriotic songs. The newspaper is also a major source for recording the country's development journey as well as success stories of people from across Malaysia.

In Sarawak, local media play a major role in ensuring that the voice and aspirations of society are included in the national story. The coverage of rural development, education, culture and achievements of Sarawak's children helps strengthen the sense of unity in a country full of diverse backgrounds.

The Internet emerged in the early 21st century and completely changed the way people communicate. Information no longer relies on a spreadsheet or printed newspaper. Now, the public can access history, official documents, and patriotic content only through smartphones.

The biggest changes occurred when social media took over as the main communication space of society. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and other digital platforms are no longer just places to share photos or videos. It's also a space for people to form their own narrative about the country.

Today's younger generation creates short videos, mini-documentaries, podcasts, infographics and content that highlights the stories of national fighters, the uniqueness of local culture as well as the experiences of multicultural communities. The story of a student who crosses the river to go to school, volunteers who bring education to rural areas, or communities that are building infrastructure can now capture millions of viewers in just a few hours.

This is the new face of patriotism that's closer, more personal, and easier to understand.

However, technological advances also present great challenges. Rapidly disseminated information can be a unifying tool. It can also trigger misunderstandings if historical facts are presented without review. In a digital world, transmitted content doesn't have to be right.

So the responsibility of today's generation is not just to produce interesting content. They must also ensure that each partnership is factually based, respecting the nation's history, and fostering the values of unity.

In the context of Sarawak, digital media also provides an opportunity to introduce cultural diversity to the entire country. The uniqueness of the Ibanian, Malay, Bidayuh, Chinese, Melanau, Ulu and other ethnic groups can now be exhibited to all. Digital content featuring language, official customs, traditional food and cultural heritage not only strengthens the state's identity but also adds value to Malaysia's overall identity.

With the celebration of this year's 69th National Day, communication plays an increasingly important role. It helps build a society of mutual understanding and respect.

In the digital age, every social media post, short video or shared article can build understanding between people in Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak. When stories from the Bario, Ba'Kelalan, Kapit or Mulu countryside can be viewed by communities across the country, geographical gaps no longer stand in the way of integration.

In fact, freedom today is not just a reminder of the struggle for freedom. Independence also means having the ability to continue building nations with science, technology, respect and a spirit of mutual respect.

From the "Merdeka" races that raged through radio funnels almost seven decades ago, to digital content shared in moments on social media, the medium of communication may change with time. However, the goal remains the same. It unites the people, preserves unity and ensures that the spirit of nationalism continues to be passed on to future generations.

In the end, Malaysia's power is not just in its history of independence. It also depends on the ability of all its people, including in Sarawak, Sabah and the Peninsula, to continue writing new chapters for this country together. - TVS