PKR says Merdeka more than freedom from colonialism

Merdeka is not just about independence from colonialism, but being free from racism and narrow-minded thinking, as well as the ability to enjoy economic freedom, the PKR president said today.

In her Merdeka message, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (pic), urged Malaysians to celebrate the true meaning of independence, by not limiting it to merely waving the national flag in commemoration of 57 years of freedom from the British rule.

"The Merdeka we are looking for is freedom of the heart and soul, freeing ourselves and our families from racism and narrow-minded thinking, and having economic freedom," she said in a statement.

"The people must free their souls from the shackles and cruelty in order to build a peaceful and harmonious country that respects all citizens from different religions and races."

Dr Wan Azizah said her party was committed towards building a country that allowed people to be independent of daily stresses, by providing good economic facilities that would allow the country's resources to be shared by all.

She said PKR wished to create a Merdeka based on reform, which would be founded on honest, transparent and effective leadership that championed justice and freedom of the people.

She added the party was committed towards freeing the people from economic pressures, providing freedom of understanding and belief and the basic rights of all citizens as enshrined in the constitution.

"That way, we can build high moral values and good behaviour. We want a country that is independent and free from corruption, wastages and negligence.

"We hope we are able to bring the nation to the right track, and protect the country's dignity and sovereignty with a robust economy." – August 31, 2014.