WARGANEGARA: MALAYSIA

I am Malaysian. Born, bred, kindergarten, school, university. All – in Malaysia.
But does that really make me a Malaysian?

I am Malaysian. I love to eat all the kinds of food that we have here. Satay, Char kuey teow, Nasi Lemak, Banana leaf rice. Food available 24 hours.
But does that really make me a Malaysian?

I am Malaysian. I love the weather. Not too hot, not too cold. The sun is bear-able, the rain can be tolerated.
But does that really make me a Malaysian?

I am Malaysian. The variety of people. Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Kadazan, Iban, Dayak, Asli, etc.
But does that really make me a Malaysian?

I am Malaysian. I don’t plan to migrate overseas. Malaysia is my home.
But does that really make me a Malaysian?

I am Malaysian. Despite the arguments people have, I have freedom of worship. I get to go to church regularly and meet up with my Christian friends.
But does that really make me a Malaysian?

I am proud to be Malaysian, even though the political situation doesn’t seem to be going well, racial issues are on the rise, and not forgetting the inflation rates.

But what really makes me a Malaysian? Is it because ‘I’ enjoy life here and am comfortable? Or is it because God has placed me in this country Malaysia for a reason – so His Gospel will be known throughout the world including Malaysia, even though the situation is tough?

We just celebrated Hari Malaysia on Sept 16^th. We celebrated 45 years of the formation of MALAYSIA. I am Malaysian!

So my friends, what about you? What makes you a Malaysian?

Do dreams come true?

'Nation' awareness has never been as high as now, among students, not since the AUKU came into place (for the uninitiated, go ahead and google it :). Having experienced the most unexpected results during the March 8 General Election and witnessed the crushing defeat of BN in the Permatang Pauh by-election, calls for change of better governance, transparency, racial reconciliation, a Malaysian Malaysia is actually being dreamt off.

It's been 6 months since then and we just celebrated Hari Kemerdekaan (or is it Hari Kebangsaan?). We also need to face up to the realities that to leave the fate of our country in the hands of the politicians would not suffice. We too have our responsibility to shoulder. September and the months ahead are bound to be exciting times. It's time to rise, to be counted.

What were some of the things that you've thought of, maybe few months ago, but have yet to take actions? Or if you have, how's the progress been?