Cowboy Caleb the liberal arts, grown-up stuff & random mischief

Hari Merdeka

47 years ago today, Malaysia gained independance from the British Empire.

It’s days like this that make me quizzical. My country of birth has not been good to me, ladies and gentleman. Ask any Malaysian not of Malay descent and they will have a sad tale to tell. We have all been victims of the government’s racist policies to favor the malays over the other races.

From age 16-17, I attended a special school to do my first year of university in Civil Engineering whilst still in secondary school. There were about 15 non-malays in a school of 1000. Life was hell, we got bullied by the other students and teachers alike because we didnt come from the same culture or share the same religion. I got beaten up by a gang of cowards . When I broke the leader’s nose, I was punished by the discipline master for defending myself while he got off the hook.

I completed my secondary school exams with flying colours, but was not awarded a place in university because there were no more seats left for non-Malays - no matter how well you performed.

And yet, I remain uniquely Malaysian. I am proud of my country. The situation is improving. The people of Malaysia are moving forward. One day, I will return to my country. Because home is where the heart is.

It is painful, living away from home. Initially, it was fun - there was a feeling of adventure. As I grow older, I realize that there are other things in life that are more important. No matter how hard you try, you will never fully belong to another country. Perhaps that is why many Malaysians return home to retire in their dotage.

Until then - Happy National Day, Malaysia.

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darahku,
Rakyat hidup, bersatu dan maju,
Rahmat bah’gia, Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita, selamat bertakhta,
Rahmat bah’gia, Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita, selamat bertakhta.

“My country, the land where my blood is spilt
The people live united and progressive
God bestow His blessings and happiness on us
May the king reign in peace
God bestow His blessings and happiness on us
May the king reign in peace”

You are quizzical because you love your country even though it has not been good to you?

even if it has not been good to me, it will always be my birthplace and home.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/quizzical

Hey, i was going to do the whole national anthem translation thingy on my blog. Aish. Anyway I know exactly how you feel, and I plan to go back in two years. :) insyaallah (spelling?) I don’t get married to a Sporean.

Maybe they return coz the exchange rate is better too..

FF > cut and paste my anthem lah. You can marry a singaporean cause Spore is the 15th state of Malaysia in the near future muahahha

mandrake > you keep forgetting that you’re a malaysian. A terrible one, but still a malaysian.

What’s the 14th state?

Singapore is the 14th state (akan datang)

the other 13 are:
Peninsular Malaysia

Johor
Kedah
Kelantan
Kuala Lumpur *
Malacca (Melaka)
Negeri Sembilan
Pahang
Perak
Perlis
Penang (Pulau Pinang)
Putrajaya *
Selangor
Terengganu
East Malaysia

Labuan *
Sabah
Sarawak

I’d much rather Singapore adopt the 13 states instead of the other way around.

ahem.. I am a East Malaysian.. *turns up nose, snobbish look*.. heh heh..

Singapore, or rather, the Men In White tried to take over between ‘63 and ‘65 and got expelled, what. I give us 20 years and we’ll be begging Malaysia to have us back. Meantime, Singapore’s just darn lucky Malaysia keeps cocking up.

can’t help putting this in..

I, for one, welcome our new Malaysia overlords..

malaysian overlords?

our supply of condensed milk n instant noodles is ensured for three generations!

eggs for all, hooray!

“Singapore, Special Administrative Region, Malaysia” ???

Arrrghhhh !!!

I really like the M’sia national anthem… nicer tune than Singapore’s!

I can only sing the first phrase..Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darahku…hah. Ex-msian.

Aptly said. There’s something bout Malaysia, it’s a lil something called home!

Trust me, it’s not only not getting better.. it’s getting worse. Don’t come back. Go somewhere else.