Happy Birthday, Malaysia

happy birthday? to a country? yeah...my beautiful home country, Malaysia will become a year older today.

it is the day which Malaysians, all over the country, will come together, united as one, celebrating the Independence Day of Malaysia from the British empire 57 years ago.

historically, Malaysia had been under the ruling of several empires over the centuries. it was first invaded by the Portuguese armies in the mission of Gold, Glory and Gospel. later, the Dutch took over for awhile before handed it over to the British until the occupation of the Japanese armies. after The Land of Rising Sun fell off during the World War 2, British took it back until several discussions and diplomatic negotiations were held, Malaysia finally be able to be administered and governed by her own multiracial people.

so that's it about the brief history of Malaysia (pardon me if there are some wrong facts, i am not so good in History after all).

actually, that is not my purpose of posting this blog. i want to write about how i feel about this historical day and how i see it in my society. so here it is.

Merdeka (or in English, Independence), is an abstract word that has its own meaning subjectively judged by people who see it. according to merriam-webster.com, independence means freedom from outside control or in the context of a nation, the time when a country gains political freedom from outside control.

in my point of view, independence means the liberation of ones' internal behavioral attitudes towards something that sparks their interest capacity to produce outputs that they anticipated without being restricted by authoritative figures, or in other words, it is when people are happy and free to do what they want to do.

from my own definition above, i can see many things happen encircling me quite resemble as what the definition tells, or maybe even much worse. especially among the teenagers who always act without proper conscience of the consequences that might be produced from their misconducts.

this is the truth that is too bitter even for me to swallow. from my own experience, i suffered enough. it is a pain the ass when you realize that the wrong things that you did in the past will haunt you back in the present, or even future. i once did something real bad that is too explicit to share with all of you so lets it buried in the dark alley of my mind.

every year, i feel nothing about this historical event, patriotically. i do feel indebted towards those warriors who fought till their last breath defending this beautiful nation from the colonization of the imperialists. and i am also feel grateful to live in the country where peace is a national treasure that can be shared among its people from all walks of life. however, those feelings are just like a thankful reminder to someone who gives you a birthday present. it is not long-lasting. one day you feel it, and one you don't.

nonetheless, as i grow up and become mature enough to think, i always let myself to ponder the integral part of living in this country, of what should i contribute for the development of my homeland toward becoming a strong nation in this ever-changing world. i know that i should give something in return for the plethora of opportunities given to me but it is still nebulous to me of what that particular "something".

i hope, in searching for that "something", Malaysia will ever stand on the pillars of its people that are united as one big happy family and together overcoming challenges that may come.

i love you, Malaysia. and SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA !!!

MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA !

so, adios azizos.