Saturday, August 9, 2008 10:15 PM
Today, Singapore celebrated her 43rd year of independence.
Nothing significant, you say. Especially in comparison to big nations like United States who perhaps are celebrating Independence Day without noting the figure or China who has 5000 years of history behind them.
National Day is always able to induce the patriotism in me. I fault propaganda for it. Seriously, who can not feel excited about a national holiday when all you hear on TV and radio are national songs and all you see is red? Plus, the keyword is "holiday".
But what's the use of National Day when the citizens only feel a sense of love and belonging in this one day of the entire year? Where's the true significance if we're unable to retain our own people?
My brother was commenting on leaving for greener pastures as he was watching the parade with the family. What irony it actually is.
Well, I've been through this argument with many of my friends who think that there's nothing worth staying for in Singapore. But let's be fair. Inflation is worldwide, economic recession is global, and would you rather a government who cares or a government which proclaims liberty but doesn't give a damn whether you have food on your table?
Don't get me wrong. I'm no PAP advocate or government watchdog. I don't fully agree with all government policies and I complain just as much as every driver over ERP. But I want to be fair to the land that has seen me through my 21 years. I'm grateful for the presence of meritocracy and equality of chances, as well as freedom in things that matter like religious freedom.
And who has the heart to leave familiarity? It's not that I fear going into the big unknown. I just can't bear the thought of leaving 21 years behind for vastness.
One of the national songs goes like this:
"This is my country. This is my flag.
This is my future. This is my life.
This is my family. These are my friends."
My response to my brother was simple. I told him I will never leave because "
keluarga saya di sini." (my family is here)
Singapore doesn't has to be perfect.
It just has to be home.
memories brings back happy moments
