Merdeka and Me
By Alicia Yeoh
Our Malaysia is turns 53 this year and she has seen many triumphs and losses we Malaysians have achieved throughout the years. As we celebrate her 53rd year of independence let us not forget how our forefathers fought for us to enjoy the luxury of peace and harmony today.
At times I do wonder what the meaning of ‘Merdeka’ is? The simple textbook answer would be free from colonisation and being an independent country. Yet to me ‘Merdeka’ means much more than being free from our colonial masters. To me it means being a Malaysian and embracing the colorful cultures of Malaysia despite our many differences.
Being ‘Merdeka’ allows me to enjoy the company of different races with different mother tongues but united through our ‘Manglish’ peppered with ‘lahs’. This unique language brings us all together and we do not need scheming politicians to remind us time and again to be 1Malaysia.
Additionally I am fortunate to live in ‘bolehland’ where there is always 24-hour ‘mamak’ to soothe our stomachs that grumble hungrily at ungodly hours and where can we find geniuses when it comes to finding the best local food a state has to offer.
The amazing parking skill of Malaysians should not be taken lightly as we can find a space in the oddest angle and smallest places. Not to mention we can also come out with a trick or two on the roads much to the amusement of the next door driver.
With all this antics colouring our Malaysia we Malaysians never lack of warmth and neighborliness. True, that time has changed but look closely and you will notice that Malaysians are the nicest people around. We Malaysian are ever willing to show you around and pointing you in the right direction.
No matter how times change us we still are true blue Malaysians living in ‘bolehland’ where the impossible seems possible. Here would be the place where were you can find food at every nook and corner at the oddest hours of the day, speaking two languages at once.
