A traveller’s tribute to Malaysia
I love my country, but the recent scandals and negativity makes it really hard to appreciate my country. On Merdeka’s eve, I had to walk the streets with hundreds of thousands of others to fight for a free and fair election. On September 16, ironically our Malaysia day, people clad in red walked the streets under the guise of protecting a trampled dignity, but in reality, broadcasting their racism. It doesn’t help that our ministers kept silent or even openly expressed agreement to this charade. So you see, it’s really not difficult to hate being in Malaysia.
But today, it’s not about that. Malaysia day signifies the formation of our country. This Malaysia day bore a greater significance to me; I was abroad during Malaysia day. It’s strange; being overseas made me miss my homeland more. Ironically on 16th September 2015, it’s raining at Kampot, Cambodia, where I was, making me miss Malaysia even more. Also, because I’m abroad, things I’ve experience made me more appreciative towards Malaysia, which in spite of all it’s flaws, is an excellent place to live in. So for Malaysia day, I’ve decided to do a tribute for Malaysia; one that entails my appreciation for Malaysia, and hopefully ignite your sense of pride in Malaysia.
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| Photo credits: www.akhtartravel.com |
I’m thankful of the education system in Malaysia. Despite it’s severe shortcomings, I’m thankful that I learnt three languages in school, instead of just one. This gave me an unique skill over some of the other travellers, whom only learnt one or two languages in school. I’m also glad that I could go to a private college for RM50k, when my friend from the States have to pay at least 20k USD a year just to go to college.
I’m thankful of Malaysian food. We Malaysians are most proud of our food, and rightly so. Not that the food in Cambodia is bad, but my taste buds have long been spoiled by the plethora of delicious food in Malaysia. I didn’t think much of it before or even when I was travelling, but once I sink my teeth into a nice piece of roti canai when I got back, I realize I missed this.
I’m thankful of the beautiful landscape that is Malaysia. When I’m telling other people about my country, I feel pride. Pride of the natural landscape of my beautiful country; pride of my fellow countrymen and their well-renowned friendliness. I’m especially thankful that it’s so easy to tell others the essence of Malaysia, even though I’m not the best versed in the beauty of Malaysia.
I’m thankful of the amnesties that I take for granted. When in Cambodia, a lot of the toilets, include the ones at guesthouses and hostels, do not have toilet paper. Imagine my shock when I search for said toilet paper to no avail after a mild case of diarrhea. Eventually I did learn to live with it, but I prefer toilet paper to be always available to me.
I’m thankful at the adequateness of Malaysian police officers. No, really. Despite all the fuss about police inefficiency, at least they care about their job enough to take down your report. When I got robbed in Phnom Penh, a stationed police officer kept refuting Stacey and me with ‘no English’. Even after we acted out the whole robbery scene (a performance of which I am very proud of), he did not care enough to direct us to a police station, or even made a call to a police officer that knows English.
I’m thankful of the tolerance that Malaysia used to teach me, when Malaysia was a much tolerant state. I’m thankful that Malaysia taught me that different people have different ways of doing things, and that even though we might not agree with it, we treat people with respect. Malaysia has taught me to always strive to understand the habits of others, because tolerance stems from understanding.
So, you see, it’s not difficult to love Malaysia. I’m 5 days late, but I’m most thankful of the formation of Malaysia. I’m most thankful that I had the privilege to be a Malaysian. Happy Malaysia Day, my Malaysia.
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Proto credits: www.asiapacific.anu.edu.au.
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Oh dear… sorry to hear that you got robbed at Cambodia. I hope there's no huge damage being done but at least you're safe and sound.
I agree with you, and that's what travelling does to me, to make me love Malaysia even more. It's not a perfectly fine country, but something we can be thankful for. 🙂
No damage done at all, except the guy got my phone. Ah well, things happens.
Yeah, I never really truly understood why some love Malaysia so much. Now, I proud to join their ranks! Travelling really does that to you. It did a lot of things to me.
So where are you off to?
I love my country, Malaysia too as this is the place that I was born and grow up with 🙂
Yes dear. Sometimes we are thankful when we back to our country. Only the political side I m not too proud off.
Yes dear. Sometimes we are thankful when we back to our country. Only the political side I m not too proud off.
Yes dear. Sometimes we are thankful when we back to our country. Only the political side I m not too proud off.
I agree… sometimes we have t travel to other less developed countries or over developed countries to learn how to appreciate our own country… Many people tend to take things for granted and only know how to complain, complain complain
Never too late to say Selamat Hari Malaysia. 🙂
Despite it all, I still love my country =) Nothing can really replace it, eh?
we are typically born in Malaysia, Malaysia is our country! I love Malaysia, unite as one! <3
So sorry to hear you got robbed. :/ I think malaysia is a beautiful country, and I hope one day to visit. <3
so sorry to hear that. I love Malaysia too
Valid points dear. I am definitely thankful for Malaysian food, there is no country that serves as well as ours 🙂 However in terms of the political standpoint, I can't say I am much of a fan. All other aspects of it and its people is still good 🙂
Malaysia is a great country and we never know it until we are out of it. Totally understand what you mean.
I agree in Malaysia we get to learn 3 languages, if you have money you can go for extra language classes. Malaysia also foodie heaven.
I love Malaysia and proud to be Malaysian! Can't deny that everyone of us love Malaysia's FOOD, even when you're at oversea, you will missed it!
Although the economic in Malaysia is not good, but I still love Malaysia! Can't deny the best feeling when you are at your own country and your own home! Plus there are alot of good food and we are the country which speak multi language, it was such a good benefit!
Malaysia is not a bad country & we have a lot of good things going on. However, with the recent political issues it's been overshadow. Reading this is reminds us how lucky we are
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Sorry to hear that you got robbed in Cambodia… But I agree with you. I like your point of view and nothing is perfect. It's just how we choose to see our country as is. Everything got pros & cons. But being Malaysian is what makes us unique ^^
Proud to be malaysians! Especially I missed Malaysia's food when I travelling!
I have been to few places in Malaysia and it looked so beautiful and yet to explore other few places.
All i can hope for is for a better Malaysia in the future. Its still a growing country, and i guess its not at its best point at the moment 🙁 But a girl can still hope 🙂
the future of malaysia looks bleak at the moment. sigh..
I have no where else to call home. Malaysia is my homeland regardless of what is going on. 😉
Well, I love Malaysia but not the government. This is a very beautiful place.
Agree with you Lynn. Thankful everything from Malaysia and I still love my country.
I think it's important to love your country. No matter where your travels take you.
Malaysia is a beautiful country, let's work hard to make it more successful and away all those negativism, Happy Malaysia Day 🙂
Yea whatever it is this is our homeland and we will always love it, even if there's one or two that try to spoil it, if we work together we can make it a better place.
It is only when we're away from our homeland then we appreciate it more. I am not Malaysian but I love Malaysia.