50th Merdeka Series (3)

When it comes to the issue of patriotism for this lovely nation of ours, I'm too passionate to the point of being argumentative about it. Heh!.. Here is a list of 10 patriotic things that you can do that do not involve putting up flags, wearing flags, drawing flags or anything that is even remotely related to flags.

1) Read and understand the Federal Constitution. This is the pillar of the nation, folks! This is where all the important statements of our nation resides. This is the reason for our nations being. Without the Constitutions, we wouldn't have this nation.

2) Understand how the government functions. This is related to the above and also no. 3. Knowing how the mechanism of government works will let you all be able to govern the nation properly. Yes you read me right. ALL OF YOU have the rights to govern this nations!

3) For those that have reached the age of 21, go and register yourselves with the Election Commissions (EC). When the time comes for you to elect your representative, choose properly, pick the one that you believe will make a positive change to this country.

4) Earn a living and pay taxes. This is the least contribution you can do to propel this country to greatness. Also by paying taxes, you can now hold the government accountable to your money. A very important step to no. 5.

5) Be involve with the socio-political situations of our nation. Be part of the debates to define and change this country for the better. Be part of the polity. Use your rights of speech to point out what is good and what is bad for this nation. Advice and reprimand the government should you believe they have erred.

6) Read on the history of this nation. In simple term, "Knowing Malaysia is to Love Malaysia". This is related to no.1 and 2.

7) Obey the law and rules that is in place. If you don't agree with it then go back to no. 5.

8) Smile. It will do wonders!...If all 26 + millions of Malaysian citizen smiles just imagine the impact towards our Malaysian attitude!

9) Save resources and follow the 3 R's. We have the responsibility to ensure that our future generations will be able to have a livable place to stay!

10) Make a list of 10 patriotic things that you can do that does not involve flags and the above list!

50th Merdeka Series (2)

Well... a lot have been said about that boy who sang a rap song with some National anthem lyrics thrown into it. I have to admit I haven't yet seen the video so I can't comment much about it. What I can comment is about the reaction that people have on that action though.

It's funny that an action by a young man somewhere in taiwan can affect us like this in Malaysia. All because of a song. Granted that he added some part of the national anthem into his song. He was even reported to say some bad things about Islam and Malaysia (I can't verify this). And of course, the normal reaction to this by some part of Malaysian society is extremely predictable.

Accusations of being unpatriotic is the least of it. Some even brand him a traitor, there are even calls for him to be a "persona non grata".

For the part of being unpatriotic, first we have to try and define what is being patriotic in Malaysia all about. To be patriotic in Malaysia is simple enough, it's all got to do with the Malaysian flag. The bigger the flag the more patriotic we are. That is a simple enough equation. In this sense, I am not as patriotic as some of the people I saw that attached the flag on to the hood of his car. Kudos to that guy!. All I have is a small Malaysian flag on an atlas, the SAME size with all other flags of other nations!*GASP*. Worse still is that old guy in tattered clothings and worn out sandals that was rummaging through some garbage bin... I assume he don't have a flag and thus not patriotic.

For the guy with the flag on his hood of his car. At least the covered part will be cleaner and dust free compared to other part of the car.

So, what's your definitions of patriotism?

50th Merdeka Series (1)

Sorry for not updating last month...been too busy.

Anyway, as you all know...this month is the National Independence month of Malaysia. And as all good citizen, I am sure you're all just couldn't wait to celebrate it by counting down the seconds to twelve on the eve of the 31st.

Anyway, I thought I might fill this month blog with nothing but merdeka related topics.

So to start small I go for a simple introduction to the events of Merdeka.

This year we celebrate our National Independence for the 50th time. Next year for the 51st.

This year motto or slogan for National Independence is "Malaysiaku Gemilang". Literal meaning "My shining Malaysia". And we will celebrate it in Kuala Lumpur..yay!

Well...that's the basic of it.