Basic Needs, Simple Life
Today we celebrate Malaysia's 5oth year of independence.I'm careful of the way I mention it as a collegue remarked yesterday that this is our 51st independence (instead of the 50th) because 31 August 1957 is the 1st, geddit? He also mentioned that it may not even be correct to say that it is 'Malaysia's' 50th celebration, as Malaysia was formed in 1963, not 1957. In the interest of not getting too technical, I'll follow the buzzword of poular media- 2007 marks Malaysia's 50th year of independence (2007-1957=50). End of story.
Where was I? Oh-just yesterday me & hubby were reading the reprint of a newspaper that was published in 1957, courtesy of NST and Sime Darby. It cost 15 cents then (compared to RM1.20 now)- the news have this feel-good halo about them (could be because it was close to Merdeka) and the advertisements were very simple- straightforward, even. Strictly about the features of whatever they were selling and nothing of the competitive, over-the-top claims commonly seen today. There was one particular advertisement about a tractor for farmers- smashing!
I can't help to think how simple life must have been then. By simple I do not mean that there are no hardships of daily life. I'm sure that there were plenty of things on each Malayan's mind then- how to rid the country of communism and racial politics; self-governance once the 'orang putih' leaves; maybe even how to get on with normal daily life. From what I see, the needs were simple. People were grateful, based on the news items. Birthdays, social events and are celebrated, there were reminders of unity- how everyone should work together to rid the country of the 'Reds' i.e. communists. There were also the makings of a Malayan government then, the design of police uniform, appointment of government heads etc. The news do translate to a nation that is together, proud and determined to make "Malaya" work.
Let us not forget that- how it all happened- how it felt to be free and united. How it felt to be grateful for our basic possessions. How it felt to rule a country that we can proudly call our own.
Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!!
Where was I? Oh-just yesterday me & hubby were reading the reprint of a newspaper that was published in 1957, courtesy of NST and Sime Darby. It cost 15 cents then (compared to RM1.20 now)- the news have this feel-good halo about them (could be because it was close to Merdeka) and the advertisements were very simple- straightforward, even. Strictly about the features of whatever they were selling and nothing of the competitive, over-the-top claims commonly seen today. There was one particular advertisement about a tractor for farmers- smashing!
I can't help to think how simple life must have been then. By simple I do not mean that there are no hardships of daily life. I'm sure that there were plenty of things on each Malayan's mind then- how to rid the country of communism and racial politics; self-governance once the 'orang putih' leaves; maybe even how to get on with normal daily life. From what I see, the needs were simple. People were grateful, based on the news items. Birthdays, social events and are celebrated, there were reminders of unity- how everyone should work together to rid the country of the 'Reds' i.e. communists. There were also the makings of a Malayan government then, the design of police uniform, appointment of government heads etc. The news do translate to a nation that is together, proud and determined to make "Malaya" work.
Let us not forget that- how it all happened- how it felt to be free and united. How it felt to be grateful for our basic possessions. How it felt to rule a country that we can proudly call our own.
Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!!
posted by elya at 11:57 am
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