Merdeka??

So, 52 years have passed since the independence of Malaysia from all foreign colonies. The question is, have we truly achieved "merdeka" (independence)?

The incident in Shah Alam on the eve of National Day certainly seems to indicate otherwise. The residents claimed that all they wanted to do was show their anger in response to their earlier petition against the temple relocation being ignored. However, the act of dragging around, stomping and spitting on a religiously sacred symbol shows that their feelings were more than that of being ignored.

The graffiti on the fencing of the supposed site of the temple also cited rather offensive comments, and the parading of political flags definitely did not do much to help the situation either (given the notoriety of the aforementioned party).

I love this country with all my heart, and I'm proud of what we have achieved as a nation. But it saddens me greatly to see the that after 52 years,

1. The country is plagued by corruption in every level of society
2. Mediocrity is celebrated and excellence is sidelined
3. People who stand up for justice and integrity are charged with threatening internal security or simply silenced.
4. We still practice a prehistoric concept of communal-based politics
5. Racial tolerence is desired by the people but greatly hampered by those in positions of influence and power
6. Religion is utterly misused as a political weapon and a vehicle to rally votes
7. Cover-ups are rampant while obvious truths are blatantly denied

I really hope and pray to see our country improving in the years to come. That people will put aside their prejudices and come together as one people and nation. I am in support of the concept of 1Malaysia, but I hope that it becomes more than just a campaign or a concept. It's high time the leaders of the country did something for the people. It's been a while, as far as the people of Malaysia are concerned.

How can you bear to sever the head of such a cute animal?