Merdeka August 31, 2013

As I stare blankly over the past 5 minutes. And counting. What does Merdeka mean to you? Do we as a nation, as Malaysian, share the same hope and thoughts? For the future of our children and our children's children?

I am still staring blankly.

I am not sure what to write. My view may be misconstrued as racist if I continue. I am born a Malaysian. Right where the (now) Tune Hotel is at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. Right where City Centre is (as GHKL is a bit off centre lah). My wife ancestors are Portugese that has set foot in Melaka nearly as long as Alfonso d'Alberquque has landed. I am 4th generation Malaysian Chinese. We both call Malaysia our home. Our Kampung is in Malaysia. Not in Portugal. Not in China.

But why are we still asked to go back to "our country"? We are in OUR country.

Why are we blamed for the recent General Election (GE13) vote swings? Aren't we voting as...Malaysians?

Are we not paying taxes?

Or contributing to building the country?

Or protecting Her from inside and outside (bad) people trying to destroy it?

Are we really Merdeka?

I am still staring blankly. This will be the toughest blog entry yet.

Have a good Merdeka. May the parade tomorrow shows we are really embracing our diversities and differences and not just tolerating it.

Don't let the real Merdeka fly away.