It's the month of September and it's that time of the year when I'm in a pensive mood and turn on the 'Reflection' button. 45 years have passed. Yeah, I'm almost half a century old and should be suffering from a mid-life crisis but haven't or have I? From a little yogi on a plastic scooter toy to a real bike touring the country and hunting down the foodie spots. From a reader to a writer. From being a receiver, I'm now a contributor. That's what Time does to you. It grows you.
Originating from Malacca but now residing in Shah Alam, Malaysia. I learnt Jawi in my primary school. 6 years of that. It was a compulsory subject and it was really a chore, learning a language which isn't mine. But that's what endeared me to the Malays who are surprised at this special skill of mine, besides speaking fluent Malay, throwing in uncommon words which I've picked up along the way. Mastering both languages have helped me in my career, often times, translating from English into Bahasa Malaysia and vice versa as I need my audience to understand the message. Mixing around with the Malays, Chinese and Indians - it was a truly muhibbah society compared to the society today. Hopefully, the spirit of muhibbah will prevail.
This year, the birthday celebration is made even more meaningful as it involves another entity - the country reborn. Many of us worked and contributed heaps of energy towards ensuring the thieving regime does not make it past 9th May and we succeeded. This piece of land where I'm standing (Padang Merdeka) was denied to citizens who only wanted to gather peacefully to make their voices heard, a call for free and fair elections. The regime was forced to make improvements to the electoral system, after 5 mass gatherings over 10 years. And now I stand here, the country under a new government, who assumed the country's management and lead the country towards its healing. Much have been lost or stolen over 10 years.
Regardless of political affiliations, I'm a person who can assume a nonchalant perspective towards racial differences and just blend in with the crowd. A non-violent one, of course. I see humans as humans, it doesn't matter your race or creed or status. I enjoy the camaraderie of fellow human beings, young and old. Humans are social beings and I represent that concept. Our Life on earth is not without a limit and I don't intend to live it without bringing value to other fellow human beings. Do not wait to give but always be the first to offer. The change we desire begin with ourselves. We smile, and we will receive a smile in return. Frown and you'll get a frown in return. Smile and the world will smile with you.
Malaysia, a peninsula located below Thailand, is actually a country with a lot to offer. Those of you who follow me on Instagram : thehapi8wanderer can certainly attest to that. There's beautiful nature, supplemented by good food across the breadth and length of the country. I just need to find it and many of you bloggers have helped me in this quest. To enjoy the country or otherwise - it's up to us. If we remain conceited and clam ourselves up, we'll never enjoy Life to its fullest. All that's required is for us to open our minds to the possibilities. If I fall, I'll pick myself up again and keep on walking. This is in contrast to where I was in the beginning years of my Life - the shy person that I was. Yes, you wouldn't believe that.
In Life, there's certain figures that you respect. And Zunar, the political cartoonist, has my adulation secured. A cartoonist who was severely persecuted by the thieving regime, suffered indignity as the regime sought to prevent him from making fun of them in the form of comics. He was even prevented from travel to attend an international event to receive an award for his contribution to the comic world. After May 9th, things changed as the thieves were removed from government. This cartoonist, who persevered through his conviction in his belief, won the battle. All trumped up court charges were dropped and he's now a free man. He can sell comics in peace now.
The events that led to May 9th and after, continue to rile my patriotic spirit and this year, I'm flying the flag proudly as my pen had caused the thieving regime to be replaced with the government of my choice. I, as many others, are sighing in relief that our efforts have born fruit and the country will head towards a period of healing. Where citizens are now able to feel proud and hold our heads high when we travel to other countries. We hung our heads in shame before this. It was certainly a dark period in Malaysia.
That's why, my birthday celebration this year will be a double happiness event - me, surviving 45 years and for the nation, a re-birth. I've never felt more patriotic in my entire life and this year, I hold the flag with pride. What will happen before my birthday next year? I won't know and I can't predict the future. Hopefully, there'll be a year of more learnings, making even more friends and continue to enjoy my joy of Life. Every other waking day is a gift and I will cherish this privilege. I continue to be grateful for what Life has given me - family and friends.
The Thief's End & Beginning of the Country's Revival
