Leaving Malaysia on Malaysia Day is ironic. It doesn’t at all imply that I am going to put away that lovely Malaysian part of me on its memorable day. I believe it’s sending me off with mountains of hopes that I have a 'valuable gift’ when I come back one day.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and my family were
watching traditional dance performances on the television. Everyone must have
been thinking of how blessed it is to live in such a peaceful country, while at
the other side I was counting hours to be far away from this homeland. Going to London wasn’t worrying me that much. Instead, I was nervous about fitting in
with people, fear of not understanding the lectures, and maybe missing my
favourite ikan keli! T.T
I tried hard not to cry when I was at the airport, but of
course I do feel sad to leave everyone that I love, everyone that matters the most in
every point of my life, miles away. It wasn’t that hurtful at first, but as
time flies, (not only the time, but also as the flight literally flew further,
and further away) don’t be surprised if you feel it’s so painful to swallow the
delicious nasi lemak for breakfast. Don’t be surprised if by looking at the
word “Kuala Lumpur” in the flight manual on the monitor of the passenger beside you can cause your tears to roll down your cheeks. (Even eating salted peanut reminded me of my younger brother T.T) Those
might be petty little things before but in a second it turns out to be tiny bits that
can touch your heart.
(Let’s get over this drama and move on to the next point)
Nasi lemak? Kuala Lumpur? Obviously, it reminds me of
Malaysia. Not only Malaysian, but believe me everyone is this world think so. It’s
not only about being home, it’s an identity. We can give thousands of reasons on why being a Malaysian is
something to be proud of and why it is something to be grateful for. In case if
you are not aware of it, value appreciation; especially in terms of heritage among younger generations are deteriorating. The vast diversity of our culture, food,
traditions, religions, ethnic groups, clothing and even celebrations are the
significant features that make us unique in our own way. We are definitely a
truly Asian country. Being multicultural is something very common to be
highlighted to Malaysia. We have our own, different stories to tell yet we still
live in harmony. This is the priceless traditional part of Malaysia which WE need to preserve in order to protect
the uniqueness of our identity. (Well, who else would care to do it anyway?)
There is nothing wrong to live a contemporary life people! (It's not about the appearance, it's all about what is in your heart *wink*) So let
us look at the modern side of our beloved country. We have seen development of
our country throughout the years. We have observed how globalisation change
things around us. Skyscrapers, transportation, education, welfare, and the list
goes on. It is never wrong to fly high and make the sky your limit, but we need to keep
standing on the flat ground. It has been 60 years since we stand on our own
feet. Have you ever thought of how long will this be? What is going to happen
in the future? Can things get better? Can I do
something to make a better future?
Yes, you can! There is nothing you cannot do out of love!
(Really? XD) Patriotism is a package of loyalty derived from love, proud, care
and concern for our country and nation. You can simply start with keeping in
mind that you want to give back to your country as much as you can within your
capability. It’s not for anyone else. It’s for us, and our own younger
generations. ‘Everyone is good at
something’. So be a hero in your own life story!
Don’t just be proud of your country.
Make the country proud of you.
Happy Malaysia Day!
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