Kita Anak Malaysia

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

Kita Anak Malaysia

Its Merdeka eve and I am sitting here in my office penning my thoughts for the month. I have been holed up in the office since early afternoon finalising this month’s publication, while watching various people and friends on Twitter and Facebook write about Merdeka, the coming Hari Raya and Malaysia Day.
The whole of August, since the start of Ramadhan has been a busy period for the SJ Echo team. Never have we ever seen so many invitations coming our way to attend the various Buka Puasa events all around Subang Jaya and USJ. Cindi, our writer has been juggling her schedule attending the various buka puasa events at mosques and suraus around town, dotting a head scarf with her every time.
Everywhere we went, we see smiling faces and welcoming embraces. We were treated like family and served generous portions of food although we were guests who had not fasted the whole day like our hosts.
This is Malaysia! And that’s what makes us all unique and incomparable anywhere in the world. Our unique and intricate relationship with one another is how Ella’s song describes best “Standing in the Eyes of the World”.
I am proud to be a Malaysian. This year, I even broke fast with the police officers from SS17 by the roadside while our men in blue kept watch over the crowd at the Ramadhan stalls in SS18. With simple packed food and drinks, and tables borrowed from nearby shops, the officers offered their share of food to us non-Muslims. At that moment, it reinforced my belief that we are all brothers and sisters.
Hari Raya is just around the corner. I am looking forward to joining my fellow Malaysians in their homes to celebrate the joyous festival. I particularly enjoy crossing my legs sitting on the matted floor partaking in the delicious spread of home-cooked dishes using my hands. Thinking of the food now is giving me hunger pangs.
This month, we will celebrate Hari Malaysia on September 16, marking the formation of Malaysia when Sabah and Sarawak (and Singapore) joined us. It is a unique and special occasion considering how closely-knitted we are with our brothers and sisters over in Borneo. I had spent many years traversing Sabah especially, working in the interiors of the State. I have made many friends over in Borneo and I continue to make new acquaintances whenever I make my way over to fulfil wishes of children who are terminally ill representing the Children’s Wish Society.
For me, I am right at home anywhere in the country. A few months ago, I was in Kota Baru, Kelantan just for a day. I was greeted warmly and extended the best hospitality from the doctors and nurses in the Kota Baru General Hospital when we handled a mercy flight for a 19-month-old infant.
There is no way anyone can take the Malaysian out of me. I may travel near and far but I shall always remain a Malaysian.
I believe I am Malaysia! You are Malaysia! We are Malaysia! No one can ever take that away and no one will. As the clock ticks to midnight very soon I shall sing the first line of our National Anthem, “Negaraku. Tanah tumpahnya darahku........”
It is my hope that with the friendship and unity we have among Malaysians, we can take the next step forward, taking opportunities and challenges by the horn and sharing in its bounty and hiccups all in our stride as Malaysians.
Here’s wishing all my brothers and sisters HAPPY MERDEKA! SELAMAT HARI RAYA! HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!