I love my Homeland

31August 2007

The golden anniversary of Merdeka

Today is Malaysia 50th Merdeka (Independent) anniversary. All the mass media, big organizations and politicians are wishing all Malaysians a Happy 50th Merdeka. After months of preparation, the grandest birthday party was kicked off last night at Dataran Merdeka, a big field just opposite the clock tower at the centre of Kuala Lumpur. The celebrations will continue for a few days and some of the programs included are: the Merdeka parade, fire works at Putrajaya and Merdeka Stadium. Thank God, they still remembered the Merdeka Stadium, a place where “Merdeka (Independent)! Merdeka! Merdeka!” were shouted 50 years ago, a heart felt and memorable place for most KL people and it is also a place where some people wanted to demolished it for commercial purpose.

During the forties and fifties when Malaya was still under the colonial occupation, the 3 main races, the Malays, Chinese and Indians were having the same spirit and target, a vision of building our country “Malaya” together.

After the independent, all the Malayans shared the result of the hard work. Everybody, no matter he was a Malay, Chinese, Indian or aborigines was proud to carry the name of “Bangsa Malaya”. Independent was the result of hard work contributed by all races. Under the leadership of our beloved Ex-Prime Minister Tengku Abdul Rahman, all races lived in peace and harmony. Graduates from overseas were longed to come back to dedicate their services to the country.

Things have changed, it is sad to see that many overseas graduates are reluctant to come back. Many may yearn to return home as here is their motherland, their roots are here, they missed their families, friend and life in Malaysia, but, something is keeping all these highly educated elites away. They are frightened, disappointed and frustrated with things that have been happened, words that have been said and policies that have been made. Like most Chinese, I too, felt grievance and my heart has sunken too.

However, Malaysia is still my motherland, I have never considered any other country as my homeland but Malaysia. My family has been here for few generations. Despite of all the fear, uneasiness, grievance and frustration, I thank God that we can still live in peace and tolerance.

I am still proud of Malaysia. Eventhough I did not tie a flag around my car, shouting “Merdeka” or “Malaysia boleh” in the public, deep down my heart, the love for Malaysia has not been decreased, it is my homeland. As a Christian, I pray for God’s blessings continue to be upon this beautiful country of ours. Amen.