A Sad Merdeka Day ....

i used to be excited every time Merdeka comes around. As a child i watched as my mom dressed in extravagantly patriotic colors participates in the March of Respect, almost every year. on one occasion we even participated together although in different contingents. when i started working i still continue to participate every other year or so.

it was a lot of fun, sure it was hot and tiring - almost unbearably so but that is also a part of what makes it so meaningful. that we recognized the meaning of Merdeka and all the people that fought so hard to give us peace and freedom. together with our friends regardless of age, religion and race, we marched under the same scorching sun and feel the same happiness that we are so blessed to live in harmony with each other and not suffer the same fate as others in warring countries around us.

In those days, i could not understand the significance of the dates of 31 August and 16 September. i only know that i am free and that is enough. but i am no longer a child and i understand now why 'people split hairs' on this matter. it is not only for the sake of past that we must acknowledge the importance of both dates but also for our future.

the future now that looks a little bleak.

my family is healthy, i am newly wedded and baby is on the way. My job is awesome even if the deadlines are murderous, and the upperworks needs therapy and my work space is reduced to just 2 tatami's mat space - i still enjoy it. all is well in the small bubble of my life.

Outside the bubble - i hardly recognize my country anymore. The racism, the corruption, crime and more is running rampart destroying the once beautiful and shining Malaysia. we fear for our safety, we fear for our future.

the question that i imagine everyone is asking right now as i am asking - What Do We Do Now? How will we get through this, my dear countrymen. before all is lost.