Looking forward to grand National Day celebrations

AS a Malaysian born just five months before Merdeka Day in 1957, I had anticipated a full-blown celebration for our 60th National Day anniversary.

Like me, other veteran Malaysians were looking forward to a grand celebration. But, sad to say, the KL 2017 SEA Games has hijacked our dreams.

Why must the SEA Games be held during our nation’s big day? Why couldn’t the SEA Games be held after our National Day celebrations?

Although we are proud that it is raining gold in the SEA Games for all Malaysians, our hearts are bleeding as we watch the euphoria of the 60th anniversary of the independence of our beloved nation being hijacked by the SEA Games. I sincerely feel we should have got our priorities right in the first instance.

Decorations for the 60th National Day celebrations are sorely missing in our Federal capital. I can vividly remember driving through Kuala Lumpur with my beloved cousin and her husband (both now deceased) during the 10th Merdeka celebrations back in 1967.

It was a memorable sight to behold. KL was bathed in coloured lights, flags and bunting and our Government even borrowed chandeliers from the city of London. Jalan Mountbatten (Jalan Tun Perak now) was lit with exotic lights and special arches were built by private companies to commemorate the occasion.

It is my sincere hope that we as Malaysians set aside our differences and unite to celebrate our 60th National Day in grand style to show our sincere appreciation to our beloved nation.

Let us also not forget the past great leaders of this nation who painstakingly interwove the fabric of national unity.

Wishing all Malaysians, “Selamat Hari Kebangsaan yang ke-60! Sehati Sejiwa. Negaraku Malaysia!” RC MOHAN Batu Caves