31 August 2007

Malaysia’s 50th Independence Day

As a True Blue Malaysian, I am sure some of you would be feeling ecstatic and filled with patriotism inevitably as Malaysia marks its 50th annivesary of Independence from the British colonisation. Are you? Talking about this, this morning I saw a bunch of kids cycling with a Malaysian flag tied to each bicycle. Now this is what I called “Patriotic” or rather “Bersemangat”.

Malaysian Flag known as Jalur Gemilang

Nevertheless, some would choose to be ignorant towards this golden jubilee celebrated by the nation today or rather take it as just another public holiday to get away from work!

Born and bred as a Malaysian for the past 23 years, and yet I am still living in Malaysia. (Read: I still survive! Amen!) Not necessarily those who choose to stay back in Malaysia, would strive to earn a living and lack behind to those who graduated and worked in the developed countries.

Sometimes, a majority of us tend to think that the grass is greener on the other side whereby most students who are studying overseas, refuse to return to the country. Some would even undoubtedly choose to give up their citizenship. However there would be some who only choose to work and earn stronger currencies in overseas before returning to their homeland for a better retirement.

Perhaps, I do not have the opportunity to breathe the air of foreign countries during tertiary education. I will not make a stand after all. I would rather say I am contented with what I currently possessed. I would rather be thankful to have the solid education and the shelter over my head. Yes, I understand some hardships that we had to endure in this country. Who doesn’t complain? Ask yourself this. Have you not heard any single complaints from any Malaysian? There will be for sure. It all depends whether we could tolerate or not.

Ah… I am used to living in Malaysia. I might not choose to live in another country for long except for this nation because this is where I have planted my roots deeply. However, this will not stop me from visiting the world outside. I will still travel, I will still hope to experience the culture and lifestyle of other nations.

Oooh, I am sure you would ran across some top 50 or top 30 things that makes you a true blue Malaysian in magazines or newspapers lately.
Do you want to know what are my favourites? Check this out.

1. Malaysian time – “Give me 5 minutes.” That actually means 5 x 5 = 25 minutes. 1 Malaysian minute equals to 5 earth minutes!

2. Lah – “Don’t lah! Give me lah! Wait for me lah! No lah! Yes lah!” This is our beautiful Manglish!

3. Mamak is our favourite hang out place!! Cheap!!

4. When we see the traffic lights turning to yellow, we do not hit the brakes. Instead, we will step on the accelerator harder to beat the lights. Why? To save another 2 – 3 minutes from waiting another cycle of traffic lights.

5. Saving 30 cents is also considered saving. Some would rather skip a toll and take a longer route to save a dollar a day.

6. We can fully utilise the public transport until it is packed with sardines. Even in our own vehicles like a Kancil can fit 5 persons. Hey, my Proton Saga fits 7 persons once. (Jonazan, remember this?)

7. We somehow rather own a Proton or a Perodua once in a lifetime! After all, national cars are cheaply priced compared to imported cars. Agree?

8. We conveniently litter around even though there is a “Do not litter” sign.

9. The “No-U Turn” sign is meant for decorations to some of us. We just U-turn as long as we do not see any cops.

10. When we bargain during shopping, we always tend to negotiate for the cheapest deals. If we are not satisfied, we will pretend to walk away and hope the retailers to give us further reductions.

Happy Independence Day to all Malaysians!!