Merdeka!!

Today is the national independence day of Malaysia. And every Malaysian ..well almost every..is a day of celebration. Some celebrate for the right reasons, while others celebrate it simply because it's a holiday and they don't need to work. For me, it's just any other day. So much for my patriotism huh?

But after a nice relaxing afternoon nap, I took some quiet time to reflect on Malaysia as it is today. And I must say I simply and truly love my country (despite the fact that I disobeyed orders to fly the national flag on my car!). People have often asked me would I be willing to migrate overseas, and in the course of my work I often been offered an opportunity to relocate overseas, but somehow I am unable to explain why when I think of leaving my beloved land, my heart grows heavy. Sure there is a lot of crap in the country, and a lot of complaints, but heck, which country is actually perfect? I don't think even the U of S of A is perfect , is it?

Somehow for a lot of people the grass is always greener on the other side....and a lot somehow think that Malaysia consist only of lalang and cow-grass!! Shame on those of you because we are indeed very fortunate to be living in a land that is generally peaceful and harmonious. People say that it's dangerous in Malaysia, but let's not compare ourselves to the controlled land tht's located south of us. I can still drive around alone in my car in the middle of the night :D

And people complain about the jam and the tolls. They should try going to Bangkok. And I was in Netherlands, and it's jam there too. In fact people actually take 1-2 hours to get to work and they're so used to it that I don't hear them complaining! And don't forget how high their taxes are so that explains why they don't have as much toll roads as us. And the petrol...don't even talk about how expensive fuel is compared to ours!!

What about shopping?!! Do you know how great it is to be able to finish work and yet still be able to go shopping after that? Your night activities are so varied. Now if I were to be stuck in UK, I only have 2 choices - the pub or the telly at home. Shops close by 5 except on Thursday. Imagine if that happens here, we will have plenty of lepak-ing people in the tamans. AND THE MOST important thing about Malaysia compared to any other country in the world. THE FOOD!!! Yummy.....Which other place can u wake up at 3am in the morning and still be able to find a warm nasi lemak or sizzling hot roti canai to eat? WHERE? WHERE?

So guys....no more asking. I love my country. I was born here, I will live here, and I will die here. For my country, I pledge my loyalty. And may God protect and bless this beautiful land I call home.