There are many things I can name about Malaysia
Things that I absolutely dislike
But let's not dwell into the negative
For growing up, I was taught to think positive
After spending years abroad
Picking up on some critical thinking
Expanding myself on more cultural understandings
Learning the ways behind painting and drawing
Not to mention the late nights in my room dwelling
At times I had mad mad cravings
Sometimes it'd be Pan Mee, others Wantan Mee
But instead all I had was Maggi Mee,
And packet drinks of my favorite "milk tea"
I sure paid a huge fee
On campus, the closest thing to home really
Were the Malaysians that surrounded me
Proclaiming, exclaiming, and disturbing our surroundings
Laughing out loud, speaking Manglish
Occasionally, we'd slip and the word "thambi"
Or was that just me? Prolly was just me.
Excuse me for I'll regress.
For this I must confess,
I have an innate love for durians..
Oh what I'd give for just another taste.
But anyway having spent 4 years of my life in the west,
I began to appreciate the abilities
That my country has bestowed upon me
For one, is my Chinese primary school education
That's where I learnt mandarin,
Jumping on the cantonese band wagon
Actually, it was from all the bullying
In the language that I didn't know
But that's not the thing...
Bahasa Melayu, 地方研究 (di fang yan jiu),
The trilingual subjects that they used in teaching
Made Malaysians truly one of a kind.
Before I move on to politics,
Somewhat of a sensitive topic...
For once I shall be blind
And talk instead of the fruits of our tropics.
Malaysia, you have molded me into the person I am today.
Your education system, albeit horrifyingly flawed in countless manners, have helped me with languages.
Your people, a wondrous melting pot, has taught me to learn, respect, and accept other cultures and beliefs within and without my country.
Your food, a tease to the eyes, orgasmic to the tastebuds
Your natural beauty, a hidden gem, still remains a mystery to those who those who seek discovery.
Once a strategic location in history, caused many a fight between east and west.
Once a promising country, development on the rise.
But now, you're fifty six in age, looking back on your life thus far, what have you accomplished?
Happy Merdeka Day.
