Birth Of A Nation

Today is 16th September... the day our nation united under one name... 45 years ago. On this day, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined Peninsula Malaya to form the Malaysian Federation and with exception to Singapore, we have remained thus eversince.

Let's not delve into the recent political turmoil plaguing our country. Rather, I prefer to focus on celebrating the fact that we have been largely at peace with one another, despite the strong undercurrents of resentment among certain quarters.

I wish this country will improve, develop and progress... not just in physical terms but more so in human terms. Afterall, it is the people who make this land a nation.

Two days ago, the Chinese community celebrated Mooncake Festival. I duly joined in of course and had dinner with my extended family. When the mooncakes were passed around, some of us were amused by the modern versions of our traditional mooncakes. From the humble red bean to the Toffee Chocolate Walnut Brownie melting in my mouth, it became clear to me that this was also how our nation has evolved. We are not just Malays, Chinese, Indians, Bengalis, Melanau, Kadazandusun, Ibani... we are Malaysians. We are a 'rojak' nation - just like this new twist to the traditional mooncake.

So, to everyone who calls herself or himself a 'true Anak Malaysia' - Happy Birthday! =)