Posts Tagged: country
What Merdeka truly means to me?
You do know; I’ve not been updating my blog very frequently – especially in my routine Nonsense Friday. So, I decided to update it by being patriotic today on Nonsense Friday. Malaysia’s Independence Day was just over a couple of days back. And somehow or rather, ironically, I realize that there is a surge of videos on Youtube being passed on and shared via Facebook or Youtube on racial segregation, issues and conflicts in Malaysia. It is simply ironic that an event such as Merdeka; which was suppose to unite us all Malaysians has made as segregated and segmented. Does this occurs only during Merdeka? Nevertheless, for those who have been following my tweet, does know that I wrote this phrase quite sometime ago after seeing the National Day Celebration of Singapore:
Independence Day in other countries is a Public Affair, Independence Day in Malaysia is a Government Affair
As I was following tweets on the celebration in Singapore, I realise most (if not, all) was attending and following the parade and the celebration. And I start to wonder, why don’t Malaysians do the same? I realise one of Malaysians habit is that we tend to speak against what we dislike, yet not acting towards it. It’s more like, we are unhappy (and so what?), and we speak about issues that affects us as Malaysians (and we don’t bother doing anything about it!) After 53 years of Independence, I realise our mentality towards our country has not changed much. It’d always be about how much others MADE the mistake, instead of how much we CAN do something about it. Malaysia stands unique as Malaysia. We should be proud to be a part of Malaysia as we are free from natural disasters; looking at the brighter side, perhaps, we have more to be thankful for? Don’t we? Or at least, our Facebook, Google and some other technologies aren’t banned? Malaysia. She does has her beauty too, isn’t it?
I know she has her flaws. To you, maybe flawssssssssssssssss (endless). But hey, come on? Who doesn’t have flaws? Tell me if you don’t. I’d be glad to be-friend you. But should we still keep the mentality that people had 53 years ago or perhaps the mentality of May 13? Merdeka may really mean Public Holidays to me; I mean seriously. But I choose to know, learn and respect that despite the flaws of Malaysia, i do heart Malaysia. It’s a home in my heart. Now ask yourself, is it a home in your heart? Love for a country is a CHOICE; imagine if the Malaysians love Malaysia just as much – things will and can change! Why can’t we show true Malaysian Colours during this time of celebration instead of those racial segregation videos? In spite of our differences, we are all still Malaysians. Who really cares what colour skins you have? Because we all are the same in our own way and culture. Merdeka is all about us and her (Malaysia). And that’s about it. It’s time to build and change Malaysia for the better. Running far away does not solve any of those issues. Talking bad about it does not solve any of those issues either. I heard someone saying this:
I’ll choose not to talk bad about it if I, myself can’t find a solution to make it better.
We all have our part to play. Merdeka truly means freedom in life, love, race, religion. Let’s live above it as Malaysians and really be a country that shines like none other. Despite it all, I AM PROUD TO BE A MALAYSIAN. She may not be the best, but I’ll give it my best. Leaving you with my favourite quote:
Our children are colour blind, let’s leave it that way.
*Ignore my phrasing and paragraphing. I just woke up from my bed typing this but I really mean it. HAPPY MERDEKA!
Live like You’re free. Please.
Demolition of Pudu Jail
I am just a little late to post on my views on this issue. Apart from that, I am also in the process of sorting out some other event’s pictures to be in my upcoming blog posts. And if you are wondering where my Hong Kong posts are, I can tell you – it’s coming. The aeriel view of the compound of Pudu Jail 
And some background history of Pudu Jail: The 114years old Pudu Jail was built in 1891 (completed in 1895) on 10 hectares of land. It was then closed in 1996 where the prison was shifted to Sungai Buloh for operations. As a city KL boy, Pudu Jail has its significance in my life. I grew up seeing the long wall paintings as I heading to and from church. I can’t believe it with my eyes that it is (gonna) be demolished and torn down. My parents or friends that were older than me used to say this. “If you naughty, I send you/bring you to Pudu Jail, ok?”. You constantly hear this phrase, especially if you are misbehaving in the car. Or maybe, everytime you bring a foreigner guest to the city, you would show them with pride the mural art on the wall painted by the prisoners themselves; and tell them about the story and history of the prisoners and what happened at that time. Undeniably, Pudu Jail has much of an impact to all KL citizens. The main entrance to Pudu Jail
The inside view of Pudu Jail 
Many parties in our country (or even in other countries) has criticised the the demolishing of Pudu Jail – due to the obvious reasons (read on). The different voices that has spoke against the project seemed to be unheard; or not responded to. 
One of the many reasons that the Pudu Jail is being demolished is because of Traffic Congestion.But traffic congestion is not something which those of us who live and work in Kuala Lumpur are unfamiliar with. I mean, it could be good after all – to smoothen the traffic through destroying our own heritage. Is it worth it after all? What got me angered is this quote that I was reading:
Don’t worry; the Pudu Jail is only 114 year old. Just like the Bok House, age is not a contributing factor. As long as it is has nothing to do with the official religion or the native’s culture, demolish it! Rename all the roads and cities!
In the next 10 years, the site will be developed by UDA for the Bukit Bintang Commercial Centre project which includes a transit centre, apartment, offices, recreation centre, hotel and commercial buildings.
“If we are always demolishing, how are we going to build our history? What is going to be build at the Pudu Jail site, apartments? Who will want to buy property where thousands have been hanged?” – Bernama
I have no idea what the next 10 years is gonna be; but I have to say that Pudu will never be the same without Pudu Jail. Remebering those times where Pudu Jail used to be the landmark or “icon” of the city; especially in giving directions. Early of this week, the demolishing of the walls of the jail at 10pm:
It is such a sad scene to see this building being torn down; I will definitely miss the wall especially. It may be too late to save Pudu Jail, lets hope that the awareness raised by this will strengthen the public’s resolve to be conscious of how fragile our heritage is and to speak up for its protection, conservation and preservation. – Bernama A last tribute to the ever famous Pudu Jail:
Photo from Google.
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