Being in Kampar, we seem somewhat detached from reality with the absence of Merdeka parades and excessive display of the Jalur Gemilang.

But sometimes the silly bickering over who's spending bigger bucks to appear patriotic by drowning us in our national flag is really what makes Merdeka detached from reality.

We do not need lavish spending on Jalur Gemilangs or grandiose parades. Kampar is more than just a former mining town and it is an embodiment of the Merdeka spirit.

This was a threatre of a fierce battle during the Japanese invasion, one of the few battles where the Japanese suffered tactical defeat at the hands of Indian and British soldiers. Green Ridge, the battle site, though not widely known, remains until today.

Present day, we see the hustle and bustle of Ramadan bazaars as our Muslim brothers and sisters prepare to break fast in Kampar Old Town. And everyone is more than happy to join in for some excellent Malay food.

Away from the crowd, we see incense and joss paper laying the tables, all in anticipation of the upcoming ghost festival while the local temple makes its own preparation.

This display of diversity is what makes us truly Malaysian. Here, we find the true meaning of Merdeka. And this is what J-on will strive to bring our readers for the weeks to come in celebration of our 53th independence and 47th birthday of our nation.