SEPT 1 ― It was suppose to be another Saturday in the office.
A colleague, feeling rather bored, started playing a list of songs on his desktop — a wide range I must add. From R. Azmi’s Memikat Hati, Beyond’s Hei Foon Nei, Audioslave’s Like a Stone and even Dr Bombay’s Calcutta.
The next track was Sudirman’s Tanggal 31.
Instantaneously, several of us started singing out loudly, much to the amusement of our younger colleagues.
We had a good laugh after the song, reminiscing how we were “forced’ to memorise patriotic songs like Setia, Inilah Barisan Kita and Wawasan 2020 in school.
Even while writing this, the patriotic songs are being played on YouTube. And I am singing out loud.
Some may call it a brainwashing session, where young minds were asked to memorise lyrics which were about the greatness of this nation.
But we had fun singing these songs during our school assemblies. It was also songs we sang during school sports day and even during school excursions.
These songs unite.
Being born after Merdeka, many of us, including myself are unable to fully understand the struggles faced by our forefathers. We may appreciate the sacrifices they made, but it is not until one experiences what it’s like to be colonised and not being able to be free, that we will truly understand the meaning of independence.
We have had a long list of people invading us, as documented in our history books. From the Portuguese invasion in 1511 to the Dutch, British and for a brief moment the Japanese, we have been “enslaved” in so many ways.
The critics may argue the same is seen today. Certain policies only cater to a certain race.
But look around you. Despite the policies, dubbed as “unfair” by certain quarters, all of us have enjoyed the fruits of this nation.
It is not perfect. We have a long way to go to ensure things are done in an orderly manner. We still have regulations that are archaic and poorly enforced. We have leaders who are still stuck in the 1940s. We have radical groups and individuals who believe they are fighting for a cause when their views do not appeal to the masses.
We also have those who believe everything else outside Malaysia is better, if not the best.
But how many of you smile and feel relieved the minute you touch down at KL International Airport or when you see the familiar KLCC Twin Towers after a trip abroad?
And yes, as cheesy as it may sound, after days and nights of salad and pasta in Europe, all you want is a hot plate of nasi lemak and a glass of the teh tarik.
We all have our differences. Say what you want but this is our nation. This is Malaysia.
Each of us has a part to play to build this nation. We are a relatively a young country and have a long way to go. But if led in the right direction, we can soar to greater heights. After all, we have everything — from the best brains in the world, beautiful beaches and a plethora of natural resources.
This is where it all started for most of us. This is where we grew up.
Forget about the politicians and the extremists. Leave them to their own devices for they do not speak for the majority.
We know what we want and let’s work towards making it happen. This is OUR country.
It all starts from the heart.
Malaysia, here lies love.
*This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
