TWICE THE JOY FOR EX-TEACHER ON AUG 31
Mohamad Merdeka celebrates National Day and birthday
FOR more than 30 years, Mohamad Merdeka Che Soh has never missed attending programmes organised in conjunction with the National Day.
But since his retirement last year, the former SMK Tendong teacher no longer had the opportunity to join such events.
This, however, did little to dampen his Merdeka spirit as he looked forward to celebrating his 61st birthday on Aug 31.
“I must admit that I miss the National Day celebrations (when he was a teacher). The last time I attended a National Day programme was last year.
“The school organised three programmes that day.
“We celebrated the National Day, my birthday and my retirement.
“It was the most wonderful moment of my life. I don’t get to attend the school’s National Day celebration this year, but it will not dampen my spirit or stop me from celebrating,” he said at his house in Kampung Slow Machang here yesterday.
The father of six said he would organise an event to celebrate National Day and his birthday at his house this year.
“It will be a simple affair and I plan to invite my relatives, friends and neighbours to join the party.
“I want the younger generation, including my children, to understand the meaning of Merdeka and to always pray that the country remain peaceful and harmonious,” he said.
Asked on a memorable moment that he could not forget, Mohamad Merdeka said a National Day celebration he attended last year was a special one.
“The event was organised by the Information Department. It brought together between 60 and 70 people who were related to National Day, including children from Sabah and Sarawak, who were born on Aug 31.
“In the meeting, we shared our National Day experiences.
“We also sang Merdeka songs. “That was a really sweet and memorable moment for me.”