Sunday night, hot and humid day, crammed up in my newly (well, it’s been a month or so) arranged study. Listening to the show my mother turned to (Astro AEC 301 – 3 years 8 months with its tagline “History can be forgiven, but not forgotten” ) – showing the experience sharing by the ones who had experienced the Japanese occupation in Malaya during WWII. It’s the 2nd episode started on last Sunday at 9pm. The 1st episode I had my student over to watch as it is related to History (well, I’m a History teacher at heart).
Although I knew from movies that Japanese had been very cruel in ways (all sorts of way you can never imagine), listening from the live witness makes me questioned what exactly were they thinking to have made them behaving that way?! A live witness said, “early in the morning, you could see the girls walking back home, bloody, naked (think on your own what happened)”. She (was a little girl back then) further added that all girls were afraid to leave home as any girl sighted by the Japanese army will be (you know what happened).
Living in the now makes me very grateful and thankful and constantly reminding myself of not taking the peace now for granted. It has been 58 years now since we gained Independence. We earned Independence by the sacrifice and suffer from our ancestors. Today, is the day before our beloved Father of Independence proudly break the news of us gaining Independence officially at Dataran Merdeka. I love my country, thus, I feel that my current profession now is my littlest way of contributing to my country – to groom the future leaders of our nation. Yet, I feel sad that it seems like our country is in danger of allowing its downfall. It also saddens me to see that some of our people are judging not by one’s conduct but by one’s skin colour. “In this world, there are only two kinds of people – the good and the bad” – My Name is Khan.
Instead of complaining and pointing fingers, why won’t we work together to solve the problem? Why don’t we think of ways to make better of the situation?
“In the name of justice
Wake up and form ranks
sons of our ancestors
Be brave
And erect a wall of people
Stand up heirs of our freedom” – Marzuki Ali
Hence, patriotism is what we should all have. Action speaks louder than words. Remember what our forefathers have taught us, peace and freedom comes with understanding, tolerance and unity. Together we stand united. Happy 58 Merdeka. And more years of Merdeka to come.
Love,
Malaysian
We are all Malaysians. Love thy country like you like thyself
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