In the spirit of Merdeka

Arguably the most iconic moment in our nation's history was when our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman stepped up to the microphone and uttered "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!" to declare independence for Malaya.

Some 64 years have passed and it has been a rollercoaster ride. We have seen many triumphs and a few bleak troughs as we chart a new course as a free nation.

The formation of Malaysia in 1963 was followed swiftly by Singapore's departure from the federation two years later and there was also the harrowing spectre of racial tensions that flared up tragically in 1969.

At the same time, Malaysians experienced rapid economic growth and produced some exceptional individuals who became the best in the world at what they did.

Yet as the 64th Merdeka comes around, Malaysia is facing the stern challenge of an unprecedented health crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has already claimed more than 15,000 lives.

The pandemic has also triggered an economic slide with four consecutive quarters of negative growth and it's all been compounded by political instability ever since the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

In times like these, our job in Malaysiakini becomes all the more important - to report and unpack the many events and issues for our readers.

From Parliament to party annual general meetings to court cases involving government leaders to factional intrigue, this news portal has stamped its mark through its consistent coverage and pursuit of excellence.

More than anything, Malaysiakini will remain steadfast as a voice for the voiceless. Despite trying circumstances and the occasional media clampdowns, we shall continue to speak truth to power and hold power to account.

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This Merdeka, Malaysiakini would like to offer all our readers 20 percent off our primary packages of three months, one year and three years.

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Join us today, and together, we shall be the change that we wish to see in Malaysia. And perhaps, the world.

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The offer ends at midnight Aug 31.