THE feelings of pride and joy towards the country have been engraved in the heart of navy veteran Oliver Cuthbert Samuel.
The 87-year-old former Chief Petty Officer said he still felt the same feelings each year during the Merdeka period.
“I love my country. The feelings of pride and joy have always been in my heart.
“And I can still remember the day I was tasked to hoist the flag of the Federation of Malaya at the Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 31, 1957,” he told Buletin Mutiara in a phone interview today.
Samuel said he was brimming with pride and happiness when he raised the flag in front of thousands of people at the stadium that day.
“The Malaya’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman read the Proclamation of Independence before chanting ‘Merdeka’ seven times with the crowd joining in.
“The stadium was so packed!” he recalled.
Samuel said Lt Kom Mohd Sharif Kalam and the late Chief Petty Officer Seaman Awang Mohd Salleh and himself were tasked to raise the flag.
“I was asked to raise the flag while the other two officers ensured that the flag did not touch the ground,” the Ipoh-born former officer said.
Samuel said he was also the one who lowered the Union Jack at the Merdeka Square, in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, in the wee hours of the morning on Aug 31, 1957.
“I lowered the Union Jack, symbolising the end of the British rule in Malaya, and handed over the flag to a British military officer,” he added.
Samuel said thankful that he was blessed with a happy life.
“My wife and I have been happily married for 61 years! And I have five grandchildren – four girls and one boy.
“I still believe that Malaysia is the best country, and it is my country,” he said, adding that both his wife and himself had received the Covid-19 vaccine.
Samuel joined the Malayan Naval Force in 1952 when he was 18 years old. He transferred his service to the Royal Malayan Navy in 1958, and again to the Tentera Laut DiRaja Malaysia in 1963.
He retired from the force in 1974. Samuel then worked as an administrative officer, assistant manager and a manager in three different security firms; before retiring at the age of 63 in 1997.
Samuel has also received numerous accolades for his service to the country.
When asked about his advice to the younger generation who wish to serve the country, he replied: “Those who wished to serve the country must serve with commitment and discipline. Be loyal to the King and country.”
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian and courtesy of Oliver Cuthbert Samuel