KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Thousands of kilometres from home, the familiar cries of Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! rang out in Brussels as some 250 Malaysians gathered to celebrate the country’s 69th National Day.
The celebration, organised by the Embassy of Malaysia in Brussels and hosted by Malaysian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Datuk Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, brought together Malaysians living in both countries to mark the occasion.
The event began with the singing of Negaraku, followed by the recitation of the national pledge led by Mohd Khalid.
He said independence was not merely a historical record, but a responsibility that every Malaysian, wherever they were, must preserve, appreciate and defend.
“The struggle to achieve independence was not something attained easily. There was sweat, tears and even blood spilled on the ground,” he said in a statement to Bernama.
Mohd Khalid said Malaysians abroad also played an important role as the country’s informal ambassadors in strengthening Malaysia’s image and introducing the country at the international level.
Malaysians recite the national pledge during the country’s 69th National Day celebration in Brussels, Belgium. — Bernama pic
Also present was Malaysia Belgium and Luxembourg Association (MABL) president Sarala Vanherck, who described the annual celebration as an important platform for bringing together the Malaysian communities in both countries.
She said the celebration also helped nurture and strengthen the spirit of love for the homeland among younger generations growing up abroad.
The presence of the national hockey squad, the Speedy Tigers, who were competing in the 2026 World Hockey Championship in Brussels, added to the festivities and the sense of pride in the country’s achievements on the world stage.
The flavours of home also added to the atmosphere, with guests treated to a variety of Malaysian dishes, including nasi Kak Wok, fried chicken, northern-style chicken bihun and chicken satay, as well as an assortment of traditional kuih. — Bernama