The Anthem

I heard a song I haven't heard for a long time today. And it stopped me dead in my tracks. For some reason hearing the song jolted me a little.

The song was Negaraku. The national anthem of Malaysia.

It's an anthem that brings back memories of primary and secondary school, where we would have to be in our lines standing still, singing the national anthem. It's a song that makes me think of my country. It's a song that speaks volumes about how my country was, and is now.

And I realise, despite what is happening in Malaysia, it is still my country. No matter what goes on in the political scene, Malaysia will always be my home. And no matter how *ahem* stupid *cough* the government may be, Malaysia, and Ipoh, particularly, will always be dear to me.

Having said that, it's sad to see how amazingly insane things have been with Malaysian politics and well... everything else that goes on here. And I find it so incredibly dumb that we're fighting and bickering over such silly things. Have we forgotten how we gained independence? How blood was shed so that all races could live together?

Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darahku.

Perhaps it's time we remembered how this country was formed, how independence was gained. Perhaps it's time to be thankful of how lucky we are, even though some things may be unfair.

Rakyat hidup, bersatu and maju.

Perhaps it's time we stood to make a change instead of just complaining about how bad things are.
Perhaps it's time to consider the difference each one of us can make instead of jumping ship to another continent.

Malaysia. My country.
Malaysia. Negaraku.