KUALA LUMPUR: As the nation celebrates its 60th year of independence, Malaysians have taken to social media to express their love and pride for the country they call home.
In the days leading up to Merdeka, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are abuzz and flooded with heartwarming messages from Netizens living in the country and abroad.
Social media outlets such as blog.catchthatbus.com have even come up with interactive diagrams to remind Malaysians why they should be proud to be citizens of this country.
The blog listed out seven things Malaysians should be proud of, including the country’s unique and diverse cultures, common courtesy and delicious food.
Hashtags such as #Merdeka, #NegarakuSehatiSejiwa and #BangkitBersama have been trending on Twitter, with many Netizens posting messages about unity, progress and peace.
On Faceboook, Raudhatul Jannah Jalidar, 31, said: “May Malaysians stay united, one heart, one soul, I love you Malaysia.”
Razin Khirudin, 29, said he hoped Malaysia would be a mature and caring nation.
“May Malaysia be a safe and prosperous country and more matured in all aspects. To all Malaysians, love your country, be a nation of intelligence and care for each other.”
Nisa Khirudin, 28, expressed hoped that everyone can put their own interests aside and work together to build a better Malaysia.
“Happy Independence Day, Malaysia! Let’s love one another. To a better nation, InshaAllah,” she said.
Haslam Shariff, 38, from Shah Alam, prayed that Malaysia would continue to remain independent and enjoy peace.
“I want Malaysia to be free from threats, successful and produce leaders who will prioritise the welfare of the people and most importantly, I do not want the history of our country being colonised to repeat,” he added.
Anis Rahim, 28, said Malaysians should embrace diversity and look at each other as Malaysians first.
“Whether you’re Malay, Chinese or Indian, our nationality comes first before our race. Being Malaysian is who we are and together we must learn to be proud of the country that defines who we are.”
Illya Syahirah Razif, 28, said: “Now that I'm away from home, I realise that we are all ambassadors for our country. Italians always know how to make people be in love with their culture and they do it in style. But we innately know how to charm better, folks!
“Malaysia is the mother to magical caves and the most powerful plants on the planet. She's by nature Nature's pharmacy. She's a classic story teller with a distinct accent everyone will remember.
“She's a cool mum; her children won Dota tournaments and she welcomes my friends home with open arms and kitchen. She's a great cook and never leaves us hungry at midnight. Malaysia is my mother.
“I keep my knowledge of her with me like a talisman. So that whenever I get the chance to, I share,” said the teacher and poetry slam artist.