MY daughter, who just returned home for her summer break, asked why we hadn’t put the Jalur Gemilang on our gate.
I quickly placed two flags on the gate. I asked myself about the significance of this Merdeka.
There is so much negativity around us. Everyone is complaining about something.
The rich say their income is not enough, and the poor say they don’t have much to spend.
How many of us appreciate what we have?
The National Day joy is enlivened by the sight of former prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj shouting “Merdeka” seven times at Stadium Merdeka on Aug 31, 1957.
The image is in many Malaysians’ minds whenever we think of Merdeka.
What does this day mean to me? This is the starting point of my love for this beloved nation.
I am an ordinary citizen who grew up and started a family. I pay my taxes without delay and vote without fail.
Malaysia is green and unique, rich and beautiful. It is the most blessed country in the world.
My travels to several nations have helped me appreciate our country’s vastness and greatness.
We are blessed to be endowed with everything that blooms and grows without much effort.
Rubber, palm, pineapple and pepper, as well as tin, minerals and oil, have boosted our global reputation.
National Day gives us abundant and never-ending hope for the country.
Our success is due to our hard work. Past leaders worked to develop, and simultaneously preserve and cherish, this nation.
The gaining of independence was the bedrock of our progress. Together, Malaysians have built the country.
We must not just appreciate National Day, but also dedicate our respect and loyalty to the country’s stalwarts.
Every drop of sweat from our forefathers has brought a twinkle in the eyes of every young Malaysian today.
If politicians are mindful of their words, I am sure Malaysia will be more peaceful, and our diversity will provide greater opportunities for all.
We must always be guarded in what we say and how we say things. If politicians take this seriously, then our nation will not face much turbulence.
This National Day, let’s tell ourselves to not speak less of or speak down to others, to preserve the beauty and serenity of our nation.
Happy National Day, my dear Malaysians.
RAVINDRAN RAMAN KUTTY, Kuala Lumpur