By Shajeedth Suresh Naidu
SMK Subang Utama, Subang Jaya
Second prize winner, Category A
Asli-Star Merdeka Essay Writing Competition 2017. 

The year is 2017, and Malaysia has just celebrated its 60th Independence Day. 6 decades have passed since the Union Jack was last raised. 6 decades have passed since the colonizers last walked on our soils. 6 decades have passed since our forefathers last bowed to foreigners. These last 6 decades has since seen the successful rise of a country from humble beginnings. Our leaders have been relentlessly striving to push Malaysia forward in every way. Undoubtedly, these efforts would have been fruitless if it were not for the unity and moderation of the Malaysian people. In light of Malaysia’s 60th Independence Day, this essay will discuss the use of a timeless symbol to promote national unity in schools.