Together we can

As the nation celebrates its 53rd year of independence, we take a look at some of the memorable TV commercials that make all malaysians proud. Taken from The Star 28 August 2010.

When we think of Merdeka commercials, we immediattely think of the works of the late Yasmin Ahmad. There is no doubt that her Petronas Advertisement have been among the best-if not the best-in celebrating the National Day.
The first, one little indian boy, is memorable not only because it was the first ever Merdeka-themed coporate advertisement but also because its narrative forcused refreshingly on members of a minority race.
People should be seen as human beings not as different races. This commercial says it all. This should be the way, not only for Malaysia but for every country in the world, says Tan Yew Leong, Leo Burnett Creative director and husband of the late Yasmin. The commercial is about an indian boy who remembers how his father once dressed him up for a special occcasion and hoisted him up on his shoulders when they arrived at a gathering. Puzzled, the boy looked around and saw a man standing on a platform shouting, "Merdeka! Merdeka ! Merdeka!"
"Things have changed now and Father is already gone." says the boy now all grown up." Although we are living better, sometimes we forget how things got started. For me, that day was the most special day in my life."

One of Yasmin`s favourites is Tan Hong Ming in love (2007). For this porject, whose theme was Our Chidrenn are Colour-blind. Lets keep them that way, she and her crew went to several schools in the Klang valley to conduct candid interviews with children including a certain Tan Hong Ming who shyly professes his affection for his Malay friend, Umi Kazrina. There are many more ....