2020 marks 63 years of independence from colonial rule and 57 years as a unified Malaysia. What was Malaysia to our forefathers? Where is Malaysia today? Are we heading in the right direction to achieve our true vision of national identity or are we merely a politically imagined nation?

Malaysia is currently a nation reeling from political, economic, and social uncertainties and we are far from having a clear vision of nationhood and what it really means to be a Malaysian. Have we truly achieved independence? Then why is there still an underlying divide amongst its citizens, most evidently when racial slurs and derogatory remarks are still being used till today?

How do we move forward to retain a just, peaceful and vibrant nation? A nation that is based on inclusiveness, equality, and meritocracy without any discrimination amidst religious & cultural diversity and multiple national identities in our quest towards nation-building.

As we ponder these questions about Malaysia and its citizens, 16 artists from various generations since Independence, share their thoughts and feelings of patriotism through their visual narrative on national identity and integration.

We thank our blessings as a free nation but there is still so much more to be done to truly achieve independence.