Happy 51st Birthday Malaysia!

I guess there is nothing prouder for a country than to achieve its independence. And saying that, nothing makes its rakyat prouder than to celebrate the great day with their fellow Malaysians and perhaps join in when they call out "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!"

To think that it's already been a year since the government was talking about the country's achievements for the last 50 years (and of course, taking the credits for everything that comes to mind) and what "they had in mind for Malaysia" for the next 50 years.

It's 50 + 1 and a lot has happened. The boat has been rocked and the pot has been stirred (forgive me for the cliched expressions). And yet, the ministers, their deputies, their secretaries and their supporters are still resting on their laurels, applying outdated methods in their everyday activities. Be it from dealing with modern media, mouthing racist comments during speeches, or being in denial over the people's voices - nothing has changed. A year's time was a waste on them.

But I'm hoping that the rest of Malaysia and its people are feeling that they are destined to do more. Wait...I meant, WE are destined to do more. From pushing for political reforms, to helping the country grow economically and realizing the Malaysia Inc. vision, to nurturing our young with values and making them leaders of tomorrow, to breaking away from old practices of racism, sexism and religious superiority, and finally to ensuring the sick, the poor and the elderly are taken cared of in a system that is wholesome and sustainable.

I have heard it many times before from different people - be it local and foreign visitors - saying that Malaysia is a great place to live in. It amazes people that a country with such diversity - in terms of culture, religious practices, beliefs and historical background - could live in harmony with one another. It amazes me too. Despite the underlying tension that surfaces once in a while - especially when some idiots pull out their ceremonial dagger during an important event - things has been pretty alright amongst us common Malaysians, has it not?

If we take politics and power aside - what is truly important to us all? Independence was a hard thing to achieve back then. After we achieved it, what was next? Was it political superiority? Money? Or supremacy over others who are different? What is it that pulls us all together as Malaysians today and not as distinctive races?

I apologize for the rhetoric questions. I used to write a lot about how we could change Malaysia for the better and how we should continue to work hard into getting our next generation there. I have also been to the so-called greener side and have been back. And I'm still saying that we can achieve our dream, which is to have a place where everyone is truly a Malaysian with their rights protected as equal with no discrimination and injustice. Everyone should have a vision of how their country should be. And so this is mine.