Boon came over to pick me up after work and the traffic was crawling as usual. Upon reaching a row of bungalows turned wedding shops, the Jalur Gemilang perched on the flagpole was waving slightly in the breeze. I subconsciously started humming a familiar Merdeka tune by Sudirman.
Tanggal 31
Bulan lapan
Merdeka ! Merdeka !
Tetaplah merdeka
Ia pasti menjadi sejarah
Tanggal 31
Bulan lapan
Hari yang mulia
Hari bahagia
Sambut dengan jiwa yang merdeka
Mari kita seluruh warganegara
Ramai-ramai menyambut hari merdeka
Merdeka !
Tiga satu bulan lapan
Hari mulia negaraku merdeka
Amused, Boon nudged me halfway and remarked on my enthusiastic show of patriotism. Giggling, I was surprised as well. Since when was I patriotic anyway. Looks like the government’s patriotic campaigns carried out since late last year was effective.
When I was much younger (read naïve), I really looked forward to Merdeka Day because it meant no school and lots of exciting TV programmes to watch. Fireworks display on the eve of Merdeka was also something that I liked although I only get to watch it via the telly. Of course there was also a sense of pride in me especially after learning about the events leading up to
It’s been a long while since I actually did any of those things. Merdeka day means nothing to me today. It’s a day I look forward to – to sleep in late, take a short break from work and perhaps catch a movie or window shop. I no longer appreciate the significance of the day. I just don’t care anymore.
Then again, maybe I do. Subconsciously. There are after all a million other songs to hum to after a long day at work but I chose a Merdeka-themed song instead.
Since it’s still not too late, this year I pledge to be a better citizen of
Patriotism extends to harmonious tolerance and existential living with all idiots and normal Malaysians.
Fly the Jalur Gemilang everyone!
