SENTIMENTAL MERDEKA

I believe each of us has sweet memories about this special day. When I was small my father never failed to bring me and my sister to Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur during Merdeka Day. I was so excited at that moment. In fact I was the one who get my mother up to prepare me and my sister. I’m impressed with the colorful parade. I even asked my father to carry me on his shoulder so that I’ll get a clear view. Then my sister also wanted my dad to carry her. My dad got no choice, so my sister and I had to take turn.

When I was in form four, I involved in Merdeka Day’s performance. My school was one of the schools in Kuala Lumpur that had been chosen to participate in this event. Almost one and half month we practised for this event. I played the traditional music instrument call ‘kompang’. It was a great opportunity for me because I never had a chance to play kompang. Indeed, I did not know how to play kompang.

On the day of 31^st August 2002, I felt so proud to be a part of the event. I played kompang with my full heart and soul. How can you not be excited when you can see clearly our king, queen, prime minister and all ministers there? I can’t describe the atmosphere. It’s so wonderful. We sang all the patriotic song together starting from Barisan Kita, Tanah Pusaka, Tanggal 31, Jalur Gemilang, Keranamu Malaysia and so many others patriotic song.

I’m proud to be Malaysian. I hope you guys also proud to be Malaysian. Don’t let the difference in ideology make us be apart from each other. There is no colonizer anymore in this land. But now we face a new form of colonization which is ourselves. We should be strong to face globalization and so many social issues that absorb into our society. Obviously, it becomes worst day by day. Besides, we need tolerance in maintaining peace and harmony because we are a multiracial nation. Can we live in doubt? I don't think so because this feeling will influence our emotions and actions. We should put aside this feeling and start to live without thinking that we are different. As there are a lot of similarities we share rather than differences.

p/s: visit my blog at wwwceritasaya.blogspot.com