Malaysia celebrates - 52 years of Independence

I come from a jewel of a nation, Malaysia.

We celebrated our 52nd National Day, Merdeka Day on 31 August. Our country has moved on, by leaps and bounds in many ways since our severance from British colonial rule in 1957. All the sweeter, as independence was achieved with no blood spilled.

Our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj led the crowd and shouted, 'Mereka!' (Independence) and the crowds echoed,'Merdeka!'at the Selangor Club Field (now known as Dataran Merdeka) The Union Jack was lowered and replaced by the flag of The Federation of Malaya.

This year it's no different that the country celebrates this significant day in our history albeit on a much smaller scale because of the H1N1 flu and being the holy month of Ramadan.

We cherish the fact that we are living in a peaceful nation. This country is my true home. This is where I was born. Home is where my heart is. My grandfather came from China and I've not to this day set foot in China tho I have it on my 'must visit' list but keep skipping it for one reason or another.

Here in Malaysia, it's a melting pot of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans and numerous indigenous people. A visitor would wonder, where am I ? Who is a Malaysian? We all are. See the faces of the children? - that's looking at us, Malaysians.

I thought I'd let my readers from near and far flung have a sneak peep into our corporate ads that showed up in full strength to celebrate Merdeka Day. Had there been a mammoth national parade celebration, thousands of people from all walks of life and from the corporations would have taken the march past before the King. Hope you the reader can soak in some Malaysian flavours there :)

There's so much to say in the pictures which tell our Malaysian story - our history, our diversity, our beauty, our togetherness, our achievements, our hospitality. Above all, our dignity and pride.

Every Merdeka Day brings with it the pledge to strive for the aspirations of one nation. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is a gargantuan task with this multi-racial mix.

Dear Malaysians , let's build on our shared vision , on our strength in diversity . Let's take our aspirations forward. Be non -prejudicial, be civil and responsible citizens. Unity is in our hearts and if we follow our hearts, Malaysia for all is truly ours to keep.

Happy Merdeka!

On a lighter note, enjoy LAT, our foremost and beloved cartoonist. This cartoon appeared on 31 August in the NST ( New Straits Times) - Yes, we're ONE, as always!! ( read: MAY post on 'it's LAT!')