Today

It's my country's 50th birthday today. August 31st. Back in 1957, our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman stood amongst his fellow countrymen at Stadium Merdeka and shouted Merdeka 7 times, to signify our freedom from British rule. For your information, the word Merdeka means independence.

The government has been waiting for this day all year, preparing it, for the significance of 50 years of independence can't be treated the same way it has been the years before. This year is also Visit Malaysia year, so everyone has been putting in a lot of effort for the tourists. The government has also done their part in promoting patriotism amongst us by reminding us the meaning of independence through the newspapers and TV ads (some of which are quite funny), as well as encouraging motorists to fly a flag on their vehicles. In other words, it's just like every year. But perhaps this time, it should mean more, not just because it's been 50 years, but also because our youth needs to remember it. Otherwise, Merdeka is only going to be a word that means "public holiday", and that's not right.

To be honest, I usually celebrate Independence Day the same way every year: at home. I would sit at home and watch the parade. Doesn't sound very patriotic, does it? Well, it's not that I don't love and appreciate the fact that I'm Malaysian. I do. But I hate crowds, and standing in one just to watch a live parade is hell for me. I think that as long as we love the place where we live, and we can appreciate the prosperity that we have, in comparison to what other less fortunate countries have, and learn to respect our own people and the government, and believe in our hearts that we'll fight for our country to the end, then that's patriotism to me. If everyone can believe in that, then we will be strong indeed.

So what will I do tomorrow? I'm going to spend my time at the mall, I think I've got some shopping to do. I am sure most people would be doing that too. I mean, just because it's Independence Day, doesn't mean we have to spend the whole day waving flags haha. Well, it's a good day to be out. So I'm going to enjoy myself, I hope.

So bring out the party hats, dust off your flags, put on your best shoes and keep your spirits high. Happy Merdeka to everyone.