Merdeka Feelings

It seems there are less flags flying, less TV and radio ads, less ‘feeling’ towards this years Merdeka celebration.

I am not the most patriotic person having been brought up overseas for the first 12 years of my life but I have been back for over 10 years now (since Uni) and this year it seems to me that Merdeka just like another day for most. Most people are just happy they get a day off work and not excited about Merdeka. It used to be a fairly ‘big’ occasion with a majority of cars, office buildings and apartments flying the Jalur Gemilang proudly. The best TV ads used to be during the Merdeka period and most with the underlying message of unity and striving for success. Are Malaysian content with what they already have? Are we getting complacent?

In my view, this is very disheartening. It’s no wonder that we can’t get people to support our sports teams. If we can’t even support the Country in its biggest celebration, how are we supposed to love and support our football or hockey team.

Although I use to “Pledge Allegiance to the Flag” and Sing the “Star Spangled Banner”, I am no longer a ‘fan’ of the United States. It could be because of their political policies, but that’s a discussion for another day. If there is one thing we should follow the Americans when it comes to Independence Day, we should follow the way they celebrate it. There is no difference between the 4th of July or 31 August but the way it is celebrated. The Americans are proud on the 4th of July and have BBQ’s, parties and functions. Most Malaysians will be sleeping in or at shopping centers. Sad but True.