Merdeka Celebration

50 years of independence from imperialists, Malaysia has reached its maturity, at a staggering rate, in enhancing mutual respect among its citizens of diverse religious, ethnicity & cultural backgrounds. It was back in the early 1990s when our great ancestors, the religious scholars, who started fighting for independence against the bloody western invaders.

Then came the names Dr Burhanuddin Al-Helmy, Ahmad Boestamam, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Dr Ismail, Tun Razak, Ust Abu Bakar Baqir and the likes, fighting for independence based on their respective ideologies. Needless to say, the emergence of Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM), UMNO and other political parties had shaped for what Malaysia is now, today.

The debacle between each political parties should go on as what we are witnessing today, I say. However, as younger generations of this country, I urge everyone to be objective in decision making. It's ok to critise the government or the opposition parties, as long as you have justified, academic reasons backing up your arguments.

Let's celebrate our differences and engage in intellectual discussion to enhance mutual respect.

Uphold our beliefs. Muslims, be great Muslims, so as to the Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus. Never ever prostitutes our values with some cheap lifestyle. Be proud of ourselves! Don't be apologetics!

Negaraku,
Tanah tumpahnya darahku,
Rakyat hidup,
Bersatu dan maju

Rahmat bahagia,
Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita,
Selamat bertakhta,

Rahmat bahagia,
Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita,
Selamat bertakhta.

I wish everyone a wonderful MERDEKA. Sorry Markus, can't join you guys in the forum on the 31st, my family will head to Genting Highlands for Merdeka. Aunty Zai, thanks for your advice the other day.

*Click here to read a thought-provoking yet inspiring article written by my dear friend, Aston Paiva.