Happy Independence Day Malaysia!

Today is the eve of our Independence Day. We will be turning 51 years old. Malaysia has indeed gone through many twists and turns under the British colony and Japanese occupation to a peaceful and harmonious multi-racial nation that's rich in culture and heritage.

Are Malaysians feeling the patriotism of Merdeka this year? I used to look forward to the celebrations every National Day, during my younger days. Previous National Day celebrations in Malaysia was always celebrated with plenty of fun and full of enthusiasm.

Speaking of patriotism, the joyful spirit and merry atmosphere is just missing this year and I just feel like any ordinary weekend as far as I'm concerned. Perhaps, it has got to do with the the current political scene and the bumbling way they handle the national issues, from social to the economy of this country.

My fervent hope is that there will be drastic change for the better soon. I just wish that nothing untowardly will happen on Merdeka Day and we all can enjoy a safe, peaceful holiday. Politics aside, let's take a moment to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

And last but not least, I wish all my Muslim friends “Selamat Berpuasa”.

A Nation in Distress???

There is a campaign by a group of bloggers to raise Malaysian flag upside down to symbolize a nation in distress and had called upon their readers to fly the Malaysian Flag upside down. The initial call was said to be have been made by Kelantanese blogger Sheih aka ‘kickdefella‘ .

This is indeed a sad thing. No matter how much I hate the political situation, hoisting “Jalur Gemilang” in that manner is total disrespectful and an insult. It only shows our immaturity in distinguishing the real problems in our beloved country.

I feel and sense an emptiness to this year's Merdeka celebrations. There are a few more days before we celebrate our Independence Day but yet there is no “Merdeka Spirit” in the air at this time of the year unlike previous years.

Our distress is due to some political issues and not our country. An upside down flag is the international symbol for distress. I guess the nation needs a miracle to get itself out of the major crisis and problems that are facing us today.

Regardless, I think the flag should be retained as it is , not inverted. It is the symbol of our freedom and be proud of it.

PEACE

Petrol price down by 15 sen

After much speculation, Malaysia will cut petrol prices from RM2.70 to RM2.55 per litre, a reduction of 5.6%. The new rates will take effect on Aug 23. The last we read was that petrol prices will only be reviewed by September 1st!! Unfortunately, I don't think that with the decrease of 15 sen, it will ease the people's burden and further reduce the inflation rate. I suppose the reduction is another sneaky move for the sake of some upcoming by-election??

This insignificant decrease of fifteen sen compared to the much higher increase in many essential items do not mean much now. It is easy to bring down the fuel price but it is an uphill task to bring down the prices of other goods.

Perhaps, a little is better than none. Of course we hope there'll be more further reduction.

Source: The Star