I am proud to be a Malaysian

Now, Malaysia has achieved the 55th Independence anniversary. The independence of Malaysia is different from other countries. It was a peaceful independence attained by holding talks with the British. Thus on 31 August 1957, Malaysia got its independence from the United Kingdom. To me, Independence Day means a day to celebrate the pride and freedom of being a Malaysia. I am proud to be one of the citizens in Malaysia because the country comprises of beautiful people, culture and food. Malaysia is well known of its multi-racial and harmonious country. I am proud to be a Malaysian because being a Malaysian means having an identity. Malaysia has its own identity which one could not find in other countries. I am honored to be called a Malaysian because we have different and unique identity. Despite of our differences in culture, race and food, we are all bonded and live together as a peaceful nation. In Malaysia there is the Open House concept where during the various cultural and religious festival like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Gawai Day and others. Friends and families would visit the homes of those who are celebrating the festival, to wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by the hosts. Although the visitors may be from different races, they still can tolerate with each other and live under the same roof where they celebrate the festival together. This will help to strengthen the ties among themselves. Being a Malaysian made me proud because we have freedom. As a Malaysian, we have the freedom to grow and pursue our dreams. We also have the freedom to speak out or give our views and we can choose our ruler. We live in a country that supports growth and knowledge, and we can do so much with the support of the government and the people around us. Similarly, we have freedom of religion where the citizens have the choice to obey or follow which religion they wanted. As a Malaysian, we have the freedom and ability to respond and make choices in our own lives. I am proud to be a Malaysian because Malaysia can produce talented athletes. Recently, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, the national badminton player won the silver medal in the London Olympic Games which made every Malaysian proud of him. We are also proud to have Dato Nicol Ann David, the national squash and she is the first women who achieved this. Pandelela Rinong, Malaysians female diver recently won the bronze medal in London Olympic Games and brought Malaysias name to the world. These athletes are the idols of every citizen in Malaysia and they prove that there is nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams. In conclusion, the Malaysians should be proud to be part of Malaysian because this country has beautiful people and cultures, freedom and able to produce talented athletes. Therefore, we should work together and move to the next level where people from the outside can recognize Malaysia. Mary Anne Dison