Deep within a Malaysian street market, a teamaker spins a
metal cup towards the sky. In mid-air, he turns it just so, and out
pours a hot mix of tea and condensed milk. The drink speeds towards the ground
– until another cup swoops in, scooping it out of the air. The tea is
saved, and the wide-eyed crowd bursts into cheers!
This is the ritual of “teh tarik,” the national drink of
Malaysia. Brewed hot, it cools and thickens as it’s slung back and forth
between the teamaker’s special mixing cups. It’s not only delicious to drink,
but a delight to watch.
That’s why we chose it for the Malaysian Independence Day doodle, illustrated
by guest artist Alyssa Winans.
KUALALUMPUR, Aug 28 ― The Communications and Multimedia Ministry has confirmed that
this year’s 58th Merdeka Day celebration is to be known only as “National Day
2015”, in the wake of a buzz on the internet earlier today over a purported ban
on advertisements carrying those words.
In a
statement, the ministry said the initiative was to foster closer ties between
the peoples of peninsular Malaysia and their countrymen across the South China
Sea.
“This matter is to strengthen ties
among the people, regardless if they were from the peninsula, Sabah or Sarawak
because August 31, 1957 focuses on the independence of Malaya whereas September
16, 1963 is felt more by Sabah and Sarawak,” the ministry said in a statement.
The
statement, which was sent to advertising agencies, added that the
standardisation was announced on June 6 this year at the pre-launching ceremony
for this year’s National Day at Dataran Merdeka and was subsequently announced
by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak earlier this month.
“Coinciding with the Malaysia
#sehatisejiwa theme of both celebrations, it is an initiative to ensure
harmony, the spirit of unity (sehati sejiwa) that fosters cohesion, understanding,
togetherness and humanity,” it said.
According to a report by humour news
site Cilisos that was shared online today, advertising agencies were told by
the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) yesterday to
remove the words “Merdeka” from National Day advertisements in accordance with
a directive from the ministry.
The
screenshot of the e-mail by MCMC also said that any reference to the National
Day “should not mention the figure ‘58’”.
