Spirit of Merdeka

As I write this post, midnight is just less than 14 hours away. That's right, our country's 50th anniversary of independence is right round the corner. Since the beginning of this month, all the newspapers are full with news of Merdeka and full of reflections and reminiscences from people still alive who celebrated 31 Aug 1957.

Are you excited? Are you a pre-independence baby or are you a product of post-independence? Are you excited? Life couldn't be better in this time of euphoria, right? Are you really excited?

But let's not get carried away. As we look to the future, we know that this nation has progressed in the last 50 years. Maybe not in the way you or I may prefer, but it has progressed nevertheless. But even as we continue to move ahead, we should spare a thought for those who are less fortunate and have been left behind by progress.


I was filled with despair when I saw these two lonely, destitute ladies sitting together along Campbell Street in Penang with their meagre belongings stuffed into thin plastic bags. They were lost in their own world. Today is meaningless to them, just like yesterday was equally meaningless and tomorrow will probably be too. They have no where else to go and nobody else to turn to. They only have this companionship and they do not look forward to their next meals. Worse, the lady on the right looked sick. Spare a thought for them and give them a meal when you see them next around the city. That should be the spirit of Merdeka ... for them, for you, for me.