Malaysia - Tanah Tumpahnya Darah ku

16 September 2009
Today is the day when Malaysia was formed, with the inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak. Today Malaysia celebrates 46 years of its formation and unision with the two sovereign states mentioned earlier. It was a great idea of our former Prime Minister, Tengku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj to include the two former colonies of British Borneo to join Malaya in forming Malaysia. We have now a bigger melting pot of races - Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sikhs, Kadazans, Bidayuh, Melanau, Dayak, Bajau, Penans, etc,etc. Our country is so blessed, we have peace and prosperity and the promise of 1Malaysia strengthens the bondage amongst all the diverse races.
1Malaysia disandarkan kepada 3 teras dalam memperkukuhkan perpaduan nasional ia-itu:
Prinsip Penerimaan, Prinsip Kenegaraan, Prinsip Keadilan Sosial. Our tagline Rakyat di dahulukan, Pencapaian diutamakan.Justeru pemimpin dan rakyat perlu saling memahami dan menghayati lapan nilai IMalaysia, ia-itu Budaya Kecemerlangan, Ketabahan, Rendah Hati, Penerimaan, Kesetiaan, Meritokrasi, Pendidikan dan Integriti.
PS1. About 2 months ago, Bank Negara Malaysia(BNM) released its new RM50 note. Of course, the Ist Yang Di Pertuan Agong continued to grace the new Ringgit, highlighted with our national flower, the Bunga Raya. It was obvious the striking splash of red differentiates the old and the new note. I was really proud to see that the new RM50 note also carried the image of the hybrid oil palm species, short and sturdy. Of course, it was nostalgic to see the proud image of our Tengku shouting "Merdeka!" seven times. Malaysia, Tanah air ku, Tanah tumpahnya darah ku.....

PS2. 16 September has been declared a public holiday beginning 2010 to commemorate Malaysia Day.

1Malaysia

Saturday 6th September 2009
Today we broke our fast at the Dome in Subang Parade. Actually, I missed my favourite snack there - Bruschetta. As we entered, we saw one group consisting of a Chinese family already seated at the front corner table. The table next to ours was a Malay couple with a little kid in the stroller. Besides ordering Bruschetta as a starter, we also ordered other dishes as well. Just as we were waiting for the break fast time, came an Indian waiter informing us that we could now break fast. Quite bewildered., I asked him, "Bang (meaning Azan) already?" and he replied "Yes, already," with a twist of the head, typical of our Indian friends. Hmmm, I told my husband this is truly 1Malaysia in action. An Indian informing the Malays that its time to break our fast, in the company of a Chinese family having their dinner.
1Malaysia - Rakyat di Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan. This is a noble aim for all Malaysians to achieve. Congratulations to our Prime Minister for reviving the spirit for all Malaysians.

I remembered this spirit of togetherness was forever alive  when we were overseas, especially amongst students studying in a foreign country. When I first went to UK to further my studies, I stopped by London for a nite or two before proceeding to Loughborough University. Not knowing how to go there, I enquired some students around how to reach there. Coincidentally, there was someone going to the same University. She was Esther Lim, a sweet Chinese girl also being offered the same Masters in Library Studies programme. So we went together on the same coach. While in Loughborough, of course, I made beautiful friends, Malays, Chinese and Indians alike.  People like Husna, Tuan Ngah, Norhayati, Zainab, Rahman, Mr Wong Tuck Chong, Norfizah, Zul, Ghafur, Ghazie, Lawrence, Amir, Siva, Md Did, Mariam and husband Zul, Norli, Jack  etc, etc.  Eventhough it was 34 years ago, the spirit lived on, the memories played on........and can never fade away.

PS Both Husna and I revisited Loughborough in July 2008. It was a very nostalgic visit....walking past the Faulkner and Eggington Court where we used to stay and play together, strolling along Forest Road to go to the market every Thursday, taking the bus to Nottingham almost every weekend....