We are Malaysians

KL city saw one of the massive traffic jams a few hours before midnite, Friday. So, I took a drive to Putrajaya an hour before the clock ticks 12, also got stuck in congestion.

I guess some of those who flocked KL were party-goers but the crowd in Putrajaya were genuinely waiting for Merdeka Day. There were Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sikhs... and some 'Mat Saleh' too.

So, who say Malaysians are divided, not patriotic and didn't appreciate Merdeka. They were there, together, chanting 'Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!' to relive the joy 56 years ago.

At least, I am glad to observe such a spirit. They may subscribe to different politics but their hearts are in unison - that we are all Malaysians!

Happy 56th Merdeka, Malaysians!

In his Merdeka speech, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak said, among others:

"Whatever challenges there are, we must not be despaired. On the other hand, we must move forward to develop the country based on national solidarity," said Najib when delivering the message which was aired by local television stations tonight.
He said that being a sovereign nation, the people of Malaysia had full rights in all matters pertaining to the administration of the country and decide for themselves the direction the country was heading for.
"In fact, in animating the independence and the incidents involved in attaining it, we must also continue to preserve and defend matters pertaining to the Malay Rulers, the position of the Islamic religion as well as the special privileges of the Malays and Bumiputeras as had been enshrined by our forefathers in the Federal Constitution," he said.

Yes, there are things we must uphold in order to safe the house from tumbling down. If Malaysians can put behind petty matters (which involved a small number of irresponsible politicians and others), I believe we can build a better nation.