Our Golden Jubilee

As KL roads come to a temporary closure, when night lights of our city sparkle even past midnight, fireworks hit the skies bursting into arrays of designs and when our big man, Pak Lah, counts down… come tomorrow (the 31st of August 2007), our nation marks its 50th year of independence.

A great accord, don’t you think? Hmm, perhaps. Maybe not. Ghana also celebrates its 50th year of independence this year and our nation seems far ahead of them. But is this how we benchmark ourselves, with those lower than us? Let’s look around us. Australia, the States, Europe or even our neighbour – Singapore.

Oh well… perhaps that was what our former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir was advocating over the last 20 years: to get ourselves out from being a nation of “rags” to becoming a “rich” nation. One that lives in integrity, one that holds its dignity in pride and confidence, and one that lives in excellence.

We have never had a completely perfect leader (and I’m sure we never will), and we never had a perfect opposition party. But isn’t this Merdeka about our imperfections coming together to portray diversity and unity? The origin of the word ‘Jubilee’ speaks about yearlong celebration and forgiveness. Amidst the flag raising and parading, fighter jets screaming overhead and floral parades, we still need forgiveness. Forgiveness amongst family, colour, beliefs, leadership, in our Parliament, police force and every form of hierarchy and department.

Why say, ‘boleh’, when we can’t say ‘sorry’? Why say, ‘boleh’, when we can’t say ‘i love you’? Why say, ‘boleh’, when we can’t say ‘i need you’?

All said and done, we strive for perfection (even if we may not reach it). Let’s advance, let’s move on – past our differences and varied lifestyles.

Happy 50th Merdeka!

Malaysia, surely, BOLEH!

P/S: Be careful on the road this holiday!