Zubir Said, the Composer of Majulah Singapura

Prologue

Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore) mirrors the patriotic fervour of the composer, who earnestly wished to infuse the future generations of Singapore with a sense of urgency to work towards a progressive and dynamic, post-independent nation. It was his deep conviction and emotional drive which led, more than fifty years ago, to the birth of the country’s national anthem. Such were the prophetic thoughts he documented then. Although it is said that our country and our people are no t as yet independent in the true1 sense of the word, we will work optimally towards such true independence. We will think forward, of success, so that we can achieve true independence faster. The ways after independence: Before, straw was discarded, now it becomes paper. Before, scrap iron was thrown away, now it becomes a commercial commodity. Before, we throw away chicken fluff, now it becomes mattresses and pillows. Before, seaweed was only for food, now it becomes film, medicine, etc. Before, time was wasted, now time becomes very valuable.2 My late father, Pak Zubir Said, as he was affectionately known to one and all, was a man in a hurry. He was in great haste to see Singapore emerge as a truly independent country. To him time was the essence of everything and time was such a valuable commodity. He was clear in his thoughts and his vision that the country needed to forge ahead and work with courage and fortitude towards achieving independence in the true sense of the word. To this end, he encapsulated, in the Singapore anthem, aspirations and dreams of a people, calling them to rise and move forward in unity. But in this endeavour, Papa had to traverse a stormy journey. The highs and lows in my father’s life were linked to the national anthem of Singapore, Majulah Singapura. In composing it, he experienced both elation and despair. Prologue xix rb111313_iseas_zubir_layout_prelims_v5a.indd 19 17/9/12 2:21 PM Meu Notes 1.  True independence came to Singapore in 1965. Majulah Singapura was composed in 1958 and was adapted to become the national anthem in 1959 when Singapore became a self-governing nation. 2.  The original Malay version of these prophetic words: “Walaupun bangsa kita dan negeri kita dikatakan orang belum sempurna merdeka, tetapi kita akan berkerja sesuai dengan kemerdekaan yang sempurna. Kita akan berfikir lebih maju supaya kesempurnaan tercapai lekas. Cara sesudah merdeka: Dulu jerami dibuang sekarang jadi kertas Dulu besi buruk dibuang sekarang jadi bahan perdagangan Dulu bulu ayam di buang sekarang jadi tilam, bantal Dulu agar-agar hanya untuk dimakan sekarang jadi filem, ubat, kertas dsb Dulu waktu dibuang-buang, sekarang waktu amat berharga.” Source: Private Collections. xx rb111313_iseas_zubir_layout_prelims_v5a.indd 20 17/9/12 2:21 PM ...