Today is the 55th year of Independence of my beloved homeland, Malaysia, from the British colonial rule. How ironic that I’m now living permanently here in England, somehow still under the once influential Empire! But such is life, you never know where you’re going to end up, you never know what destiny has in store for you. I’ve been asked to note a few lines on patriotism in conjunction with the National Day celebration in Malaysia today. Here’s what came straight to my mind:
Patriotism is the warm fuzzy feeling which I experience every time Malaysia and Malaysians are praised. Patriotism is how I cannot get Malaysia out of my heart and mind after living in glorious England for 16 years. Patriotism is my strong conviction that Malaysia remains the most beautiful country in the whole wide world, no matter where I go. I miss you Malaysia, my beloved homeland.
Need I say more? I miss being in my homeland, I miss the warmth of the people, the food heaven and the tropical sunshine. It is not the same returning every few years for holidays, living there would bring a different feel altogether. I would like to remember 31st August 2012, our Merdeka Day (Independence Day) with deep longing and gratitude. I pray the best always for my beloved country and my fellow citizens. Let me take this opportunity to reminisce a little. My best friend at primary school was a lovely girl of mixed parentage; her dad was Indian and her mother was Chinese. I have mentioned before that I come from a mixed marriage; my dad was of Indian Muslim extract and my mom a Javanese Malay. My childhood years were filled with inter-racial integration; I remember celebrating all major festivals with the different races. Chinese, Indian and Eurasian friends would visit us when we celebrated Eidul-Fitr and we would join them during Chinese New Year, Diwali or Christmas. We have our religious boundaries of course but as far as we could mingle we would do so with respect, tolerance and harmony. Below are a couple of video clips about Merdeka which brought tears to my eyes. It’s true what people say, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. I miss Malaysia all the more because I’m 6,500 miles away…would I feel the same way had I stayed on? I shall never know, for the rest of my life is now in England.
This final clip depicts the integration amongst the three main races in Malaysia: the Malays, Chinese and Indians, something which I myself experienced having been born and bred there for 28 years. I’d like to wish a Happy Merdeka Day to all Malaysians who read this post, by all means do share it with others too if you so wish. Last but not least, do bear in mind that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it’s always greener where you water it. Count your blessings!