Everyone has a voice. Even those who have none.

This morning while driving to work, I saw a bunch of kindergarteners being ushered by their teachers to stand (safely) by the roadside. And they started shouting excitedly, waving their precious Malaysian flags enthusiastically at groggy drivers off to start another day of work. It was such a refreshing sight! Kudos to whomever (teacher, I presume) who came up with that brilliant idea. It certainly made my day. It made me smile ;)

And just now, a good friend of mine shared a video he made in conjunction with the upcoming Independence Day celebration and I was really touched.

Listen to Malaysia.

We have a new voice. We're searching for an identity which was long buried and forgotten, but had always been there. Our attention was diverted to every other concern, except for the most pressing one - coming together, being united, standing as one. We should be standing for those who don't have a voice. Providing to those who don't have anything to eat. Caring for those who don't have a home. Regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs, language and skin color.

There is something special this year. On the 31st of August, we will have a new voice. And we will fully embrace being 1Malaysia. Selamat Hari Merdeka ;) If you're Malaysian, I just want to tell you that no matter how f*cked up the government is, she loves you all the same. Just doesn't understand why you couldn't reciprocate.