MERDEKA! – The 62nd National Day of Malaysia

HAPPY MERDEKA!

Today we mark the 62^ndanniversary for the independence of our beloved country, Malaysia. Tracing the history back to 62 years ago, on this day, the Union Jack has been lowered and the new Flag of Malaya was raised. At the Merdeka Stadium, the first Prime Minister – Tunku Abdul Rahman, read the Proclamation of Independence and lead the chanting of “Merdeka!” (independence) for 7 times with the joining of more than 20000 people from the whole nation. The country is overwhelmed with the happiness of its people to celebrate the independence that we have waited for so long.

The destiny of our country was miserable, yet this unhappiness made its people stronger and more united. This country went through a lot of hardship in times – the war, the colonization and occupations of different stronger countries, the split and all those controversial that we had. However, it was the blood, sweat and tear that Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lok and Tun V. T. Sambanthan have went through to fight for the independence of this country and thus our country becomes the nation which is knowable all around the world – that we called “Malaysia” today. 

At 12.00 am today, I accidentally witnessed a beautiful firework show that took place near to the Petronas Twin Tower. I was getting ready to go out for my supper at the moment, but I decided to tell my friend I will be late for the date when I saw this scene from my windows. I stopped by before my windows and watched the entire show quietly and enjoyed the little moment between myself and my country. I never have a chance to watch the fireworks show took place at the KLCC before this, because for the past 3 years I have been here, 31 August was usually the day I went back to my hometown after an exhausted final exam period. Therefore, it was the first time I have witnessed the beautiful fireworks that aims to celebrate our country’s “birthday”. 

Breath-taking – this was my first thought, and touching – this was my later feelings. When the Petronas Twin Tower has been immersed in neon lights with the fireworks as the background, I am sure it was indeed the most breath-taking picture that every Malaysians have ever seen. And later when a feeling of touched has reached, it reminded me my childhood days where my mummy always brings us to our local Independence Day celebration.

During that time, it was the most enjoyable moment we had. It was because as kids, we can have unlimited refill of popcorns and drinks at the temporary market where all residents were gathered for the celebration. We can also mingle around with the balloons, pops, and flags and sometimes we can even receive the mystery gift if we were lucky enough to answer correctly in the pop quiz regarding to the Independence Day. And the highlight of the day was…… the fireworks! All of us gathered at the field and watched the entire fireworks show with the playing of national anthem. Well, all of these moments made me unforgettable and still feels touched until now, probably it was because I was with my family when all these moments happened.

I love my country as much as I love my family. I could not be prouder when I introduced myself a “Malaysian” to all the foreigners I ever met. Meanwhile, I could not be happier to see my family again after the torturous final exam period. 

Today is 31 August 2019, it is the Independence Day of Malaysia and also the day I return to my family to spend my semester break. I am always grateful to Malaysia, because it gives me a place called “home”.  

Happy 62^ndBirthday, Malaysia!