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UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

ALOR GAJAH CAMPUS

FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES

(COM654)
ASIAN POLITICS
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT (20%)

TOPIC: “1957 HATI MALAYA” REFLECTION PAPER

PREPARED BY:
AIMAN AFIQ BIN FADZIL
2019252282

CLASS:
MC2423A

PREPARED FOR:
SIR MUHAMMAD ANWAR FAHMI HARI DAS BIN ABDULLAH

DATE SUBMITTED:
18TH JANUARY 2021

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INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is a country that was once under foreign colonial domination before the
agreement of the independence of Malaya in 1957 was applies. Various historical events had
already taken place before the Malaysian flag which is Jalur Gemilang waving proudly and
the British colonial flag which is the Union Jack can be derived at last in Selangor Golf Club
in Kuala Lumpur right at 12:00 midnight. The hails of independence led by the first Prime
Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman, to mark the declaration of independence of
Malaya shows the end of British colonial rule and prove that Malaya is a new sovereign
country, equivalent and commensurate just like the other countries that are sovereign in the
world without being ruled by invaders.

To this day, this history event gives a patriotic spirit to the people of Malaysia and it is
always reminding us that it is important for us to appreciate the independence of the country
we feel today and be grateful and praise those who fought for the independence we enjoy on
today.

In order to appreciate and show appreciation in at the same time spreading the spirit
of patriotism to the whole society today, various mediums have been used as an effort to give
awareness to the community about independence. The most notable example is a patriotism
film produced by national film companies. Among the films that retell the history of the
formation of Malaysia is the film "1957: Hati Malaya" which was screened in 2007. This
film tells the story of leaders and previous figures in the effort to achieve independence.
There are various important essences as well as lessons to be learned from this film.

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BODY OF CONTENT

1. What Is Nasionalism

Nationalism is an ethos or awareness that positions the country and the nation on the
highest ground. Or who, by developing a common identity definition for a community of
people, created and protected the sovereignty of a nation. It's separate from patriotism.
Nationalists think that the state is founded on a certain "political legitimacy". It derives from
the concept of romance, the "cultural identity" the liberalist claim that considers political
truth, or a mixture of both ideas, as a product of the will of the people. Nationalism applies in
modern times, as mentioned below, to political and military activities based on race and
religion nationalism. In general, political scientists dedicate their studies to radical
nationalism, such as national socialism, apartheid, and many more.

Based on the scientific reading I have obtained, nationalism is also divided into 6
different types of nationalism which is Civil, Ethnic, Romantic, Culture, State and Religious.
As a part of national ideology, religion and ideology, nationalism will present itself. Typically,
these definitions are interrelated and any or more of these components are combined with
most ideas of nationalism.

The first context is Civil Nationalism. Frankly, it is about a nation that derives
constitutional authority from the active participation of its citizens, the "will of the people"
"political representation". Jean-Jacques Rousseau created this idea for the first time and then
became the writing material. A book titled On the Social Contract, written in 1762, is among
his popular works. Furthermore, civil nationalism also is a type of nationalism which is more
multicultural and focused on liberal democratic ideals such as democracy, peace, equality and
human rights.

On the other hand, the second type of nationalism is Ethnic Nationalism which is a
form of nationalism where a certain nation gains political authority from a society's original
or ethnic culture. This idea was developed by a philosopher who introduced the concept of
Volk which means culture, namely Johann Gottfried von Herder. He believed that, through
folk music, folk poetry and folk dances, real German culture could be uncovered. And that’s
how he discovered the idea of Ethnic Nationalism. Moreover, ethnic nationalism would also
be a national sentiment or ideology in which race is focused on determining a nation. This
concept also implement that it is possible to specifically identify ethnic groups and then grant
them the freedom to define their own destiny. The effect of the award of these rights differs

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from the argument that in an established society the right of self-government is extended to
an individual body separated from that society to a sovereign state that is excluded from that
society.

Romantic nationalism or also known as identity nationalism as well as organic


nationalism is also one of the 6 types of nationalism that exists. It is an expansion of ethnic
nationalism wherein, according to the spirit of Romanticism, a country inevitably acquires
political authority ("organic") as a result of race or ethnicity. Romantic nationalism relies on
the presence of Romantic idealism-conforming ethnic cultures; a typical narrative built for
the notion of Romantic nationalism. It can even be associated with the concept of nationalism
in which the State receives democratic ratification as an organic consequence of the
unification of the ruling people. This requires, depending on the implementation of a specific
procedure, the language, ethnicity, community, faith and traditions of the country as the
predominant essence of the people born into culture. In fact, in reaction to dynastic or
imperial power, this type of nationalism emerges, promoting the legalization of the state from
dissolution, expelling a monarch or other authority that justifies its presence.

Not just that, Cultural nationalism is a type of nationalism in which, rather than
"hereditary traits" such as skin colour, ethnicity and so on, the state obtains political validity
from a popular culture. The strongest example is that the People in china believe the state to
be culture-based. For which Manchu as well as other minority cultures are still known as the
citizens of the Chinese state, the ethnic aspect has been ignored. The desire of the Quing
dynasty to use Chinese customs is evidence of the dignity of Chinese society. In fact, because
of their cultural similarity, many Taiwanese regard themselves as Chinese nationalists but
oppose China since this nation has an idea of communism.

In comparison, it is often combined with ethnic nationalism on the basis of a scientific


reading source for the variants of social nationalism, including State Nationalism. A deep
nationalistic sentiment that gave it greater preference over fundamental freedoms and rights.
A country's victory often compares and clashes with a democratic society's values. A national
state's execution is an accomplished statement, as if it alone created a better nation.
Systematically, if State nationalism is solid, it will manifest contradictory impulses towards
the allegiance of society and the land.

Religious Nationalism, which is a form of nationalism in which the state derives


political authority from religious freedom, is the last kind of nationalism. The sense of

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nationalism in Ireland, for example, derives from their shared faith, the Roman Catholic
school. For most nationalist parties, though, religion is merely a sign and not the group's
primary inspiration. Irish nationalism, for instance, was led by those adhering to the
Protestant church in the 18th century. Ireland's nationalist movement is not struggling for a
solely dignified doctrine. They are struggling to maintain an ideology, especially Irish culture,
that is linked to Ireland as an independent nation. According to a thesis by Mark
Juergensmeyer (1996), he proposed that religious nationalism is a relationship of nationalism
to a specific religious belief, dogma, or association. This relationship can be broken down
into two dimensions: the politicization of faith and the effect of religion on politics.

2. What Did You Learn About Malaysia Through This Film?

From my point of view, there are various useful matters as well as important histories
that I have not only obtained, but I can share with the public about the history of the
formation of Malaysia. Among the matters that I have obtained or formulated from the films I
have watched, namely “1957: Heart of Malaya”, I have learned that during the quest for
independence for the formation of the Malaysian state, the obstacles and challenges that
previous leaders and figures had gone through for liberating the Malay Land from the grip of
the invaders. Through this film, I able to know that the value of patriotism that needs to exist
in every Malaysian people is important. This is because based on the struggles that have been
made to achieve harmony today is not something easy, but various pains need to be passed. I
also learned more about Malaysia after watching this film.

The general matters that I have learned from this film regarding Malaysia was that the
independence event took place on 31 August 1957 at the Merdeka Stadium, Kuala Lumpur,
witnessed by respected guests from all over the country. Apart from that, I also learned that
during the process of influencing the party that supported the Malay nation, the upheaval in
UMNO politics under the leadership of Tun Hussein Onn, he was accused of being a traitor to
the Malayan, to oppose the British Empire during that time known as the "Malayan Union".
This accusation occurred because the people could not accept Tun Hussein Onn's reserves in
accepting non-bumiputera into the UMNO party.

Due to this accusation, he resigns the post as president of UMNO which was then
taken over by Tunku Abdul Rahman after an agreement. Under the leadership of Tunku
Abdul Rahman, he successfully carried out his duties properly and he also carried out various

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efforts so that independence was achieved. However, there were also people who did not
really support Tunku Abdul Rahman's struggle because they thought that Tun Hussein Onn
was more worthy of being their leader.

The independence we have achieved today proves that Malaysians are able to unite in
achieving glory. This can be seen nowadays, a more peaceful and prosperous Malaysia
without racial problems and injustice occurs because of the equal rights that have been agreed
during Tunku Abdul Rahman's discussions with Tan Cheng Lock and some important British
people in his house. Certainly, there are many things I have learned from this film. Also
includes the history and important events that took place.

3. What Do You Think Fueled The Spirit Of Patriotism In Times Of Crisis? What Did
You Observe In The Film?

To be frankly, I think that the thing that burns the patriotic spirit in times of crisis is
unity among the people regardless of race and religion. This is said so because if seen in the
film, it can be seen clearly that the patriotic spirit that existed in the people at that time was
very prominent. The unity they achieved is one of their efforts to achieve independence
because with unity they find it difficult to fall and falter. Led by true leaders and also in
pursuit of independence, the people are loyal and obedient to the leaders make the patriotic
spirit that they instill in them vindicate wanting independence.

Not only that, if examined in more depth the film, it can be concluded that the thing
that further increased the patriotic spirit of the people at that time was because they were fed
up with the biased and unjust colonial rule. According to the act in the film when the choice
election political party for the Malays deliberately delayed by the British government because
they do not want political parties wither at the time it gets a majority vote. This is because
they will lose power when the Malay political party took over the government. Therefore,
with this unfair attitude, the people felt tired and fed up with the attitude of the British
government at that time because they were very thirsty for independence.

4. Based On Your Opinion, How Do We Cultivate The Spirit Of Nationalism Among


Malaysian Citizens In The Contemporary World?

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In my opinion, the spirit of nationalism can be nurtured among the Malaysian
community in this contemporary world by following the passage of this sophisticated age.
This matter needs to be taken into account because if we still use traditional or ancient
methods by spreading ideology as in the 90s, it will not have a big impact on today's society.
Therefore, using a sophisticated medium in modern times is very appropriate. The use of
technology and media platforms can be considered as a medium to spread awareness about
patriotism and nationalism. Media platforms and social applications can be used for the
purpose of disseminating news and information about independence.

Not only that, awareness campaigns can also be organized every year when the month
of independence arrives to further enhance the spirit of independence in the Malaysian
community. Another attraction that can be used as a medium to cultivate the spirit of
nationalism in Malaysia is by broadcasting films, dramas, telemovies or all kinds of media
that display the history of Malaysia's independence. Such a thing is said to be so because by
showing patriotic films will further increase the interest and awareness of the Malaysian
community. It can also provide new knowledge to the younger generation about the history of
the establishment of Malaysia.

If given the opportunity for me to give a suggestions, I would suggest that primary
and secondary schools as well as vernicular or national throughout Malaysia make it
mandatory for study visits to parliamentary sessions to normalize out-of-the-box discussion
sessions from an early age. This is said to be so because the initial exposure to debates and
discussions can move the minds of students in school again. This disclosure also expands
children's thinking on current issues in Malaysia.

5. How Could Media Products Like Film, Drama, Etc. Assist In Instilling The Spirit Of
Democracy?

From my point of view, media such as movies, dramas, etc. can indeed instill the
spirit of democracy in society. The media is an advantage in today's democratic system. This
is said to be so because the media is also a shortcut for the government to convey information
about the democratic system easily. In addtition, the media has provided political parties with
opportunities to target vast numbers of voters and to educate them on important topics
ranging from politics to elections. Moreover, by placing advertisements and short videos in

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television broadcasts can make the people aware of the importance of democracy in
Malaysia.

Other media platforms also play a big role in efforts to cultivate the people in
enhancing the spirit of democracy. Among other media platforms are such as social media
applications that provide a lot of information as well as current issues, while at the same time
facilitating users. Not only that, in today's contemporary world, teenagers usually already
have smartphones and are good at using social media. This can indeed increase the spirit of
democracy because the people in Malaysia will not leave their smartphones that have been
considered as a necessity of daily life. Therefore, the spirit of democracy can indeed be
nurtured through the media nowadays easily.

CONCLUSION

The spirit of independence that has been nurtured since childhood is indeed giving
great awareness to the community. However, this matter should not be taken lightly and every
effort and step must be applied so that the spirit of patriotism always flourishes in every
society. 1957 Film: The Heart of Malaya is the best example in conveying information and
spreading awareness about the importance of independence events. Not only that, the history
of the country in the establishment of Malaysia is also contained in this patriotic film. I hope
patriotic films like this will be given more priority and more independence films will be
screened in Malaysia in an effort to cultivate the spirit of independence.

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REFERENCE

Abdullah Zakaria Ghazali. (N/A). Persekutuan Tanah Melayu Merdeka, 31 Ogos 1957: Liku
Dan Jejak Perjuangan Patriot Dan Nasionalis Menentang British. Retrieved from
http://www.myjurnal.my/filebank/published_article/22937/001_027.PDF

Dr.crazib. (2007). Sinopsis 1957: HATI MALAYA: Blogspot Resource. Retrieved from
http://crazib.blogspot.com/2007/10/sinopsis-1957-hati-malaya.html

Fahmi Reza. (2007). Filem 1957 Hati Malaya: Blogspot Resource. Retrieved from
http://10tahun.blogspot.com/2007/10/filem-1957-hati-malaya.html

Faozan Tri Nugroho. (2020). Arti Nasionalisme hingga Bentuk-bentuknya di Suatu Negara.
Retrieved from https://www.bola.com/ragam/read/4270436/arti-nasionalisme-hingga-
bentuk-bentuknya-di-suatu-negara

Mark Juergensmeyer. (1996). "The Worldwide Rise of Religious Nationalism": Journal of


International Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/24357402

Mohd Hamzatul Akmar Md Zakaria. (2019). Pengisytiharan Kemerdekaan Tanah Melayu:


Melaka Kini Website News. Retrieved from https://melakakini.my/pengisytiharan-
kemerdekaan-tanah-melayu/

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