KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — The essence of Merdeka is not solely about the country’s independence from its colonial masters, but includes the movement to imbue Malaysians with the civil liberties needed to live in harmony, PKR’s Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.

In her Merdeka Day missive, the PKR president also said that the spirit of Merdeka was not simply a matter of flying the national flag.

“The independence that is truly being sought is the freedom of the heart and soul, freedom of the self and family members from the shackles of racism and narrow-mindedness, along with economic freedom.

“Citizens must be inculcated with the spirit of Merdeka, to fully liberate our lives from the clutches and tyranny in order to build a country that is peaceful and harmonious, with mutual respect among the multireligious and multiracial citizens,” she added.

Malaysia celebrates its 57th Merdeka Day today.