53 years since the day our first Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Rahman took upon the stage of Merdeka Square and chanted seven times of ‘Merdeka‘. It was historical for our country as it signified the birth of a promising, developing nation.

In what seems a long journey of endless struggle, display of bravery, our fellow countrymen fought for our nation’s independence without taking it to the street, but by mutual consent of harmony, unity. And that formed as a solid foundation of a present document in what M’sians known as the Federal Constitution.

But with every passing year of Merdeka, to quote my friend Nicholas Wong, we feel much more divided than ever. The fact that present politicians play up the racial sentiments to score a few political points among their very own community is damaging to the society. The fact that the Chinese, Indians have not been recognised as part of Malaysia is disheartening. We too, the minorities, love M’sia as much as the bumiputra do.

Frankly, I’m tired. Tired of convincing people that I’m not a Chinese, but a M’sian. Tired that I’ve had to tick the ‘Cina‘ box in form-filling, tired of the politicians who constantly bombard words like ‘pendatang asing‘ to me. I feel so left out from this country, despite the fact that my firm commitment to service this country.

Then the realisation hit, the country did no wrong to me. It is the extremist, racist people like Ib Ali who try really hard to break the firm barrier between us. I have to admit, to a certain extend, damage has been done. Headlines of racist remarks hit the daily newspaper everyday. But nation building does not stop here, it’s still work-in-progress. The fact that I love my country alone forms a great reason to celebrate this Merdeka together.

Thus, at the eve of 30th August, let’s us hold our hands, and together we wish our mother nation, a Happy Merdeka.