Being boastful==

The article I wrote for the Star Ole BRATs, with edited parts...I think.==

Truly Malaysian

by Soh Zhi Min

It’s that time of the year again… when you see the Jalur Gemilang hung outside houses and buildings. You see it fluttering on cars. And of course, you see energetic young Malaysians wave the flag excitedly as they usher in Aug 31. Yes, these are the usual elements that make up the Merdeka mood.

But wait! We don’t seem to be getting much of that this year.

There is little of the usual outpouring of patriotism this year, even as Merdeka fast approaches. By now, we would all be discussing our trip to Dataran Merdeka, or getting the Jalur Gemilang out as we prepare to fly it high.

The media would be full of news, pictures and footages of people proclaiming their love for the country, and how excited they are about celebrating the nation’s Independence Day. There would usually be Merdeka sales everywhere.

However, this year things have been rather quiet compared to previous years.

There won’t even be the usual Merdeka parade this year because of A(H1N1) fears. Besides, it is also the fasting month for Muslims.

Does that mean we have become any less patriotic?

Why do we celebrate Merdeka? It is just to relish a public holiday, or to have an excuse to put up a parade. Is it just simply to celebrate our independence. Remember how past leaders fought to release this land from foreign hands? Remember how independence was attained from the British? Remember when our people came together not as Malays, Chinese and Indians but as Malaysians, to take back what was rightfully ours? Merdeka Day serves as a reminder. It tells us how through, unity, determination and passion, we can achieve anything.

So, it actually does not take much to celebrate Merdeka... the only vital thing is your patriotic spirit. You don’t need flowery floats, extravagant events or huge posters to show your love for the country.

On the contrary, those things do not prove your loyalty to the country. It’s the effort and commitment you put in for your country.

It’s not about spilling your blood in warzones. It’s just about being willing to do your best for the country. Even if you’re away in another country, you could still celebrate Merdeka.

Merdeka is not a one-day celebration. August 31 is a significant day, but shouldn’t we be celebrating our country’s independence everyday? Be grateful that we live in a country free from colonisers, even with all its imperfections.

Be happy that we wake up to the sounds of cars honking and not bombs exploding. Be proud to see “Made in Malaysia” labels on the products we purchase. All these are simple things, little actions. Yet, it shows something deeper. You don’t need to chant Merdeka to celebrate our independence, you just need to be appreciative of it.

Even if the celebrations are not as grand this year as before, it does not mean our love for the country has dwindled.

Merdeka day after all is one to celebrate our independence and the course of events that follow after.

And if one is grateful for the Malaysian slang we hear everyday, the many varieties of food we savour each day and happy with our fellow countrymen, then one is celebrating Independence. Then, one is truly, proudly a Malaysian.

Happy Independence Day.