Malaysia's AUG 31-SEP 16 Celebration

That time of the year where Malaysians are supposed to get all hyped up over two separate days! First, we get to be excited about Merdeka on the very last day of August and just a little over two weeks later, we're reigniting the party vibes for Malaysia Day, which is today!

If we care to be honest, there are actually two different narratives for one citizenry separated by the South China Sea. There's nothing irreconcilable about having two-origin stories because both are threaded together into one shared destiny. 

And Malaysians celebrate the two days as if they are equal parts of one grand celebration! Meaning, both days happily complement one another. August 31 is not complete without September 16 and vice versa. It's as simple as that.

I don't know about you but methinks, this is just awesome!

So fellow Malaysians, stand tall and proud! HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!

A Gold and a Silver at the 2025 BWF World Championships

I must confess I was expecting Pearly Tan-Thinaah Muralitharan to capture the gold at the BWF World Championships yesterday. 

Alas, they went down 21-14, 20-22, 21-17 to top seeds Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning of China in the women's doubles final in one hour and 23 minutes. They still walked away as trailblazers though – the first Malaysian women's pair ever to stand on the world meet podium. 

After being outclassed in the opening game, Pearly-Thinaah did what they do best always – bouncing back in style. They fought with great determination in a tightly-contested second to force a decider and raise hopes of a famous comeback. But it was the Chinese who had the last laugh, showing their pedigree to close out the contest. 

It was always going to be an arduous task, not only against opponents who held a commanding 9-3 head-to-head record, but also a pair who have been almost untouchable of late. Sheng Shu-Tan Ning entered the final on a 19-match unbeaten streak, including back-to-back wins over the Malaysians in the finals of the Indonesia Open and Japan Open. 

Still, the silver medal earned by the Malaysian duo is the latest milestone in their remarkable journey since being paired in 2019 – from finishing fourth at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, to breaking into the world's top two this year, to now setting the benchmark at the world meet. 

But another Malaysian pair, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei carved their names into history by clinching the nation's first-ever mixed doubles world title. 

The world No. 4 were firing on all cylinders as they swept aside China's Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin 21-15, 21-14 in a dominant straight-games victory in Paris, France, sealing only Malaysia's second World Championships crown overall after Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's breakthrough triumph in 2022. 

Their win also rewrites Malaysia's narrative in mixed doubles – a discipline where success has long been elusive. While Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty took bronze in 2006 as a makeshift pairing, and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying delivered silver at the Rio 2016 Olympics, no Malaysian pair had ever stood atop the podium. 

The "Gangster Duo," famed for their flamboyant hairstyles and fiery spirit, have now smashed that barrier. For 27-year-old Tang Jie, it was a story of redemption after years of struggle to break into the elite. And for 24-year-old Ee Wei, it was vindication after a stop-start senior career beset by health issues and even a temporary exit from the national set-up. Together, they found the perfect mix of resilience and belief. 

Indeed, it was a victory laced with emotion, arriving not only on the sport's grandest stage but also as a befitting gift to the nation on its 68th National Day.

Selamat Hari Merdeka Ke-68

To all Malaysians, Happy Independence Day!

Happy Malaysia Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Malaysia Day!

 

We should do some serious thinking. It’s been 67 years since the Federation of Malaya attained independence from British colonial rule and 61 years since Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore came together to form the Federation of Malaysia. [Singapore, of course, was asked to leave in 1965].

 

Every year those in Peninsular Malaysia celebrate both Merdeka Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day on September 16. Me included.

 

But why do we need to have two National Days? FMT columnist A Kathirasen raises a valid question. Shouldn’t Malaysia Day be National Day as it covers the whole nation? He is suggesting that we should all just celebrate one day, i.e. September 16. Methinks, it merits important consideration.

 

Every Malaysian knows that Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj (left) declared the independence of the Federation of Malaya on August 31, 1957 by shouting “Merdeka” seven times at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. But that was not the only occasion in which he did that.

 

The father of independence also shouted “Merdeka” seven times at the same place when he announced the merging of the Federation of Malaya with Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah to form Malaysia on September 17, 1963, a day after its official founding. The name “Malaysia” only came about after September 16, 1963.

 

August 31 does not have the same significance for Sarawakians and Sabahans as it does for those in the peninsula. Last year, Sabah celebrated August 31 as Sabah Day to mark the day Sabah gained self-governance from British rule, on the road to the formation of Malaysia. However, Sabah Day was only officially gazetted this year. In 2016, Sarawak gazetted July 22 as Sarawak Independence Day and a public holiday – and the state observed the 50th anniversary of Sarawak’s independence from Britain with pomp and ceremony on July 22, 2013.

 

If Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak had been granted independence on the same day – as was initially planned – we would all have only one day of independence to celebrate.

 

But thanks to opposition to the formation of Malaysia by Indonesia and the Philippines, the United Nations decided to send a fact-finding mission to the two Borneo states to ascertain if the people really wanted a Federation of Malaysia, and the formation of Malaysia was pushed to September 16.

 

The existence of a Merdeka Day, Sabah Day, and a Sarawak Day sadly illustrates the reality of the situation: Malaysia is not just divided between East and West by the South China Sea, but also by emotional attachment. 

 

I reckon, it is high time we exercise courage to properly bridge all this "separateness" and "separation" and that we truly become one. 

 

Can we do it, I wonder? Do we want to?

Merdeka 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year's Merdeka Day post is accompanied by my choice from the many Merdeka videos published on YouTube. I picked the Etiqa video for the simple reason that it carries a meaningful message: Bahagia kerana budi, Gemilang berkat bersatu hati (In English: Happiness through kindness, Greatness through togetherness):

Merdeka 2023

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Selamat Hari Merdeka to all Malaysians!

Merdeka 2022

Selamat Menyambut Hari Merdeka 2022!

Good news for Scotland! The first-ever direct sea shipping container route has been opened between China and Scotland. 

The Allseas Pioneer which arrived from China on Saturday was laden with items including textiles, furniture and toys for sale in Scotland. And on its return trip, there would be more than a million bottles of Scotch whisky. 

Three sailings in each direction are due to take place each month, calling at China’s Ningbo and Shenzhen before arriving in Greenock in Scotland via its “sister” container terminal at Liverpool. 

The new freight route between the Chinese ports and Greenock Ocean Terminal is a partnership between KC Liner Agencies, DKT Allseas and China Xpress. 

The direct sailings will almost halve transit times, compared to feeder services via continental Europe or other southern UK ports. The move was in response to growing global supply chain pressures. 

Hailed as a game changer for Scotland, this trading link to China is anticipated to be a massive boost for Scottish businesses.

Malaysia Prihatin

Today is Merdeka! Today, Malaysia turns sixty-four. 

And this year’s theme is the same as last year – Malaysia Prihatin – and it summons Malaysians to continue to care for each other as the country battles Covid-19. 

I thought I’ll share 3 of my favorite Merdeka 2021 videos. 

Teladan: DiGi's tear-jerker of a video shows the perspectives of primary school children who witness their parents' struggles and perseverance.

 

Lockdown Blues: Yoodo's "Bila Larut Lockdown" tells the hilarious yet heartwarming story of a man who realises his imagination is running wild when he begins to talk to his perabot.

 

#KitaJagaKita: Based on a true story, this short film “Ahchoo” by Etiqa showcases neighbors who find heartwarming ways to keep in touch with one another while staying at home.

 

Happy Merdeka, everybody!

Selamat Hari Merdeka!

Selamat Hari Merdeka Ke-63

Just what we need for Hari Merdeka! 

“Warisan” was written by Syed Haron Syed Ahmad and performed by Sudirman Hj Arshad way back in 1982 – and now beautifully rendered by Poovaa (born Poovanesvary Sri Rama):

 

I’m sure Sudirman would have been really proud of this cover. A heartrending song that is deeply moving. I have goosebumps! 

Poovaa says she hoped her version would spur love for the nation amongst all of us. 

Selamat Hari Merdeka to all Malaysians!

Be A Better Malaysian

Joyce Tan showed me this short film by EcoWorld & Grim Film “Made in Malaysia” and I thought every Malaysian should see it:

I know this was meant for Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia – but I don’t care! 

To me, it shouldn’t stay relevant for only those two days – in fact, it is for the whole 365 days in a year – and year after year after year because it serves as a daily reminder to all Malaysians that if we “want a better Malaysia, be a better Malaysian”! 

I dare Malaysians to take up the challenge "to be a better Malaysian"!

Last evening, I was at the BBCC location for the EcoWorld Toastmasters club meeting – and there, I had taken up the role of Table Topics Evaluator. 

This was one of those rare EcoWorld Toastmasters meetings that I would describe as being placid, cold sober and unflappable. Still a good meeting though.

Photos from the said meeting:

Happy Merdeka 2018!

Today is Merdeka Day and we have a new Malaysia! 

Namewee’s Good Morning ft Fara Dolhadi:

Bunkface’s Kita Punya Malaysia:

D51 AC2018: Emily Ng (黄佩玲)

This is video #13 which is D51 AC2018 SPECIALIST SPEAKERS featuring Emily Ng on April 21, 2018: 

Emily Ng (黄佩玲) is a Toastmaster with the Penang Hokkien Association Toastmasters Club in District 51. And her topic is “如何让演讲的内涵更上一层楼?”

And since today is Merdeka Eve, I’m dedicating these two videos to all Malaysians!

(1) Namewee’s Malaysia Boleh ft. Ning Baizura & Sasi The Don:

 

(2) IOI Properties’ Sayangi Malaysia:

Merdeka in 2016

Image credit: http://www.proton-edars.com/merdeka_pic.jpg

Happy Merdeka Day, fellow Malaysians!

 

I still harbor hope that this country will indeed turn out for the better. I continue to be optimistic. I choose to believe.

Merdeka, 2015

 

 

Happy Merdeka to ALL Malaysians!

 

It doesn't matter which color we support. After all, we are Malaysians and that is what matters!

Bersih 4.0 Part 4

The Bersih 4.0 rally continues into the night and we stayed until the clock struck twelve to signal the arrival of August 31 and herald in Merdeka Day! And Negara Ku was sung with verve and vigor! With pride and pomp! With gusto and great energy!

 

 

 

 

 

Merdeka 2014

Image credit: http://panduanpercuma.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/hari-merdeka.gif

Happy Merdeka, Malaysia!

Absolut Hibiskus

Full bloom: Abs Lee’s Rage: Black & Red, created for the Absolut Hibiskus x 3editions art collaboration project.

Art and Absolut Vodka have always gone hand in hand, ever since the Swedish vodka producer commissioned the legendary Andy Warhol to create an original artwork for the brand back in 1986.

 

Warhol was the first in a long list of artists who contributed in turning the Absolut bottle into the icon it is today, a list that includes not just conventional artists and painters, but also photographers, sculptors, graffiti artists, typographers, cartoonists, interior designers, art glass sculptors, architects, and even Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood.

 

Well, now Malaysians can be proud that for the first time, four of our own talented artists, i.e. Abs Lee, Michelle Lim, Tan Howe Qin, and Hyacinthe Kaur, have joined the ranks.

 

In conjunction with the launch of Absolut’s first ever floral-flavored vodka, Absolut Hibiskus – the local distributors of the brand, Pernod Ricard Malaysia have collaborated with 3editions, a contemporary online art & design gallery at www.3editions.com – to design four unique artwork pieces as part of their interpretation of this premium vodka that is bursting with rich aromas of hibiscus and fused with ripe and round notes of freshly sliced pomegranate.

 

A must-try – the Absolut Hibiskus was introduced to celebrate Malaysia’s Independence Day and Malaysia Day. Perkasa if they know about this will probably scream blue murder because it is bound to offend Malays and Muslims! LOL!

Merdeka 2013

Image credit: http://www.postme.com.my/blog/merdeka-merdeka-merdeka/

I don’t know about you but this year’s Merdeka appears quiet and subdued. A BN government is still entrenched in power and unfortunately, we have a Prime Minister who is clueless. And sure, things are not looking that great in the country at the moment. Still I believe Malaysians are hopeful and I remain optimistic.

This Petronas commercial to celebrate Merdeka (August 31) and Malaysia Day (September 16) says a lot about you and I, about  us, about Malaysians – that we are united by the same values, aspirations and dreams. We are Malaysians after all!

 

Selective Persecution

A lot of people were seemingly very upset and angry when some youngsters mooned over or trampled on photographs of the country’s leader (i.e. Najib Razak) and others (i.e. Najib’s wife, Rosmah Mansor and even Election Commission chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof) during a pro-democracy gathering on the eve of National Day at Dataran Merdeka in the federal capital. Others raised a pre-independence flag that had an alternative design – now identified as the Sang Saka Malaya – instead of the Jalur Gemilang.


Image credit: http://pilihan-anda.blogspot.com/2012/09/janji-demokrasi-organisers-were-unaware.html

Image credit: http://amenoworld.blogspot.com/2012/09/ini-sebabnya-kami-kibarkan-sang-saka.html

Even so, I don’t know what the fuss is, actually! It’s not really a big deal and the governing administration shouldn’t over-react because I consider these as legitimate forms of protest.

It is amazing that the authorities demonstrated lightning speed when they came down hard on the youths for the so-called incidents – at least four were arrested. [It is equally amazing that when earlier incidents of pro-UMNO, pro-BN and Perkasa malcontents created trouble, commiting even worser offences – the police didn’t lift a finger. In fact, these transgressions were dangerous because they illustrated not just malicious, but evil intent].

The powers-that-be appeared overly determined to throw the book at the youths, even opening a probe against them under the Sedition Act, a law that the government has promised it will repeal soon – even though the young mischief makers had already apologized for their actions.

I suppose orders have been given. Najib must be really pissed off because he has carefully cultivated this false image that he is so immensely popular and to know that there are still many young people who are so dead against him must have really infuriated him!


Why must Ong Shi Ling (said to have stepped on Najib’s photo) be handcuffed when she had voluntarily surrendered to the police? Image credit:http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2012/09/07/when-all-else-fails-use-sedition-act/attachment/ong-sing-yee-in-handcuffs/ 
Give Malaysians room for peaceful protest! Stop selective persecution!! Down with Najib!!!