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....