My Malaysia, my home
WHEN I was in primary school, August was always the most bustling time of the year. Classrooms and corridors were decorated with the colours of the Jalur Gemilang, patriotic songs were aired through the speakers during assemblies and everybody wanted to be involved in the Merdeka activities.
As a kid, I looked forward to every Aug 31 without understanding its true significance. But being raised in this country and learning new things about this nation with each passing day, I have come to understand that Aug 31 is a very important date.
Over the years, I have also developed a fervent admiration for my homeland. As Malaysians, we are known for our warm hospitality, sumptuous food and stunning holiday spots. Foreigners fall head over heels in love with our country for these reasons, but Malaysia is much more than a picturesque tourist haven.
With a population of 31 million people, there is no shortage of treasures and beauty in our country. They can be found in every state, city and rural area, and exist in many forms.
For some, these treasures are places or items that hold certain memories, like the altar your grandfather used to pray at, the baju melayu you wore for Aidilfitri as a young boy, or an anklet your mother gave you that does not fit anymore.
For others, it is the nostalgia they feel when doing something that reminds them of their childhood, like having ais krim potong on a hot day, playing sepak takraw in the evenings, or passing by an old kopitiam. It could also be the new opportunities that come out of the blue. I have seen these moments unfold and felt their compelling impact throughout my life. These experiences make living in Malaysia so unique.
My love for our country has also made History my favourite subject. It enables me to nurture a deeper appreciation for Malaysia.
It is amazing how far we have come, from being colonised to winning our independence. A nation was born the moment our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman hailed “Merdeka!” seven times in a stadium filled with the proud faces of our forefathers.
I watch numerous documentaries and pay attention during my history classes at school because I want to gain a sense of connection with our country’s past. After all, I believe that to love something is to truly know it. Our yesterdays lead to our tomorrows.
I have always enjoyed going out for dinner in Kuala Lumpur with my family, because that means getting night drives around the city. Something about looking out the window and seeing the brightly lit skyscrapers makes me beam with pride.
It gives me a sense of belonging, a certain comfort you only feel when you are at home.
I get the same feeling when I pass by the old shophouses in my mother’s hometown in Johor Baru. It doesn’t matter where you are; you get to experience a slice of real Malaysian life.
Above all, I love Malaysia for its people, the beating heart and backbone of our nation. We, the people, are the past, present and future of Malaysia.
As Tunku once said, “Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation.”
I hope everyone will do their part in instilling patriotism in today’s youths. I think some teens are slowly losing their identities. We used to get so excited about Merdeka as kids but I just don’t see such hype among my peers anymore.
Malaysia will always be my home no matter where life takes me. I wish for this country to con- tinue flourishing, and for all of us to work hand in hand every step of the way. Farisya Azwar Ridzuan is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme. To read more articles written by BRATs participants, sign up for The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) pullout. It is published on Wednesdays and available only through school subscriptions. To subscribe, call the toll free number 1-30088-7827 (Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm). For more information on the BRATs programme, go to rage.com.my/ brats.