First Day Covers Tell Story Of Malaysia

By Kurniawati Kamarudin KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s journey as an independent nation over the last 57 years has been depicted in the many of the stamps issued by Pos Malaysia. Avid stamp collectors will have collections depicting past events that were the cornerstone of the nation. Among these philatelists are also those who collect First Day Covers, including Ahmad Zukiman Zain, 53, who now owns a memorable collection of first day covers. The oldest of his collection is the First Day Cover of Merdeka Day itself, stamped with the historical date of August 31, 1957. He has collected many of the First Day Covers issued thereafter and neatly filed his prized collection in 12 dedicated folders. A HOBBY SINCE CHILDHOOD Ahmad Zukiman who started his career as a reporter for the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) said his hobby was an extension of his interest in historical artifacts. The philatelist, who is today the Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Foreign News Service), said he enjoyed his career in news reporting as it enabled him to report and record Malaysia’s journey as an independent nation. He found stamp-collecting an easy and effective method to store mementos of the nation’s historical events. His involvement in the philately club at his secondary school, Victoria Institution, also nurtured his interest in stamp collecting. "A stamp may be small in size, but it is like a window to the world", said Ahmad Zukiman. "A tiny stamp might have traveled across the globe. It also has its own artistic value that gives weight to the theme highlighted in the issue", he said. Cognisant of the importance of the themes of the stamps issued, Pos Malaysia today issues a new collection nearly every month, compared with merely one to three collections annually in the early days. THE CHASE FOR FIRST DAY COVERS Stamps may be limited in its ability to disseminate information, but First Day Covers come with a pamphlet describing the theme of the stamps issued and their significance to the nation. Also as priceless to those hunting First Day Covers is the stamp on the envelopes itself, which states the date the stamp was issued. First Day Covers issued after Merdeka (Independence) initially had no pamphlet attached with it. It was only included with First Day Covers issued circa 1960s. Ahmad Zukiman, who started collecting First Day Covers seriously since 1970, was inspired to collect the earlier ones issued by Pos Malaysia which he had missed. His alliance with other philatelists has helped him find the missing First Day Covers in his collection. "I will not stop until I complete my collection. Finding a missing collection is hugely rewarding for me", he said. Ahmad Zukiman also buys First Day Covers from a store selling old stamps at Wisma Imbi. His most expensive investment was US$252 (RM800), for a First Day Cover with the theme of birds issued in 1965. Other collections cost him between US$15 (RM50) and US$31 (RM100), he said. CHANGES IN MALAYSIA He recalled putting up with a long queue and uncomfortable heat along with other First Day Cover enthusiasts at Kuala Lumpur's main post office to obtain the Formula One themed First Day Cover. "The line was nearly a kilometre long, but it was worth the effort", he recounted. Ahmad Zukiman said he often felt great pride when viewing his stamp collection and reminiscing how Malaysia has progressed throughout the years. In the years after Merdeka, the theme of the stamps revolved around people’s unity, the merger of Malaysia and Singapore and later on moved towards the development themes and commodities like rubber, tin, flora and fauna. The themes have radically changed in the past three years as it covers wider themes that depict the current scenario. There are also recurring themes such as the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King), the birthday anniversary of a sultan and the nation’s independence. "When we look at these collections, we can see Malaysia's journey from every aspect, from independence until today. Stamps literally tell the story of Malaysia", he said. (photoBERNAMA)