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103-year-old Malaysian woman looks forward to National Day, recalls historical struggles
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Culture & Society

103-year-old Malaysian woman looks forward to National Day, recalls historical struggles

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A 103-year-old Malaysian woman, Atimah Narijan, is looking forward to celebrating her country's 69th National Day on August 31.
  • Born in 1923, she has lived through numerous historical events, including the communist insurgency, and feels emotional when she hears the 'merdeka' (independence) cry.
  • Atimah, who uses a wheelchair, wishes to instill patriotism in younger generations and cherishes family gatherings during her birthday and National Day celebrations.

At 103 years old, Atimah Narijan is preparing to celebrate Malaysia's 69th National Day on August 31, her spirit undimmed despite her inability to walk and reliance on a wheelchair. From Kampung Tanjung Sari, she was born in 1923, a year that places her as a living witness to a century of history.

I can't wait for the sacred date of August 31. Every National Day, I remember the events when the country faced the communist threat.

— Atimah NarijanReflecting on her anticipation for National Day and past historical events.

Atimah, a mother of five, grandmother to 12, and great-grandmother to three, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to witness another National Day. "I can't wait for the sacred date of August 31," she told Mingguan Malaysia. "Every National Day, I remember the events when the country faced the communist threat."

She finds the annual celebrations deeply moving, especially watching the parades on television and seeing Malaysians celebrate their historic day. "Every time I hear the cry of 'merdeka,' I feel a lump in my throat because it feels like the cry is directed at me, who has experienced the hardships when the homeland was colonized," she said.

Every time I hear the cry of 'merdeka,' I feel a lump in my throat because it feels like the cry is directed at me, who has experienced the hardships when the homeland was colonized.

— Atimah NarijanExpressing her emotional connection to the national independence cry.

Her birthday on July 21 is also a cherished occasion, marked by family gatherings and prayers. "Alhamdulillah, every year I feel fortunate because my birthday on July 21, 1923, is celebrated by my children with pulut kuning and a selamat doa at home," she shared. Her only wish is to be surrounded by family and to watch the National Day parade on television.

Alhamdulillah, every year I feel fortunate because my birthday on July 21, 1923, is celebrated by my children with pulut kuning and a selamat doa at home.

— Atimah NarijanDescribing her birthday celebrations.

Despite her age, Atimah remains committed to fostering patriotism. "As long as I live, I want to continue instilling patriotism among the younger generation," she stated, embodying a deep connection to her nation's past and a hopeful outlook for its future.

As long as I live, I want to continue instilling patriotism among the younger generation.

— Atimah NarijanStating her desire to pass on patriotic values.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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