On 31st August

Before Merdeka Celebration

1. There is no flag around!! Put up your flags! Be proud to be Malaysian! Get into the spirit!
2. Advertisements with "Malaysia Boleh!" captions.
3. Advertisements with "Malaysia Boleh!" shouts/statements.
4. Historians are interviewed.
5. Unsung heroes are interviewed.
6. Old people saying how younger generations do not value independence.
7. Citizens coming out with their very own definitions of Merdeka.
8. Ministers/Politicians/Religious leaders reminding people that we're not fully Merdeka. Because our minds are still colonised.
9. Activists with their own agendas, relating recent or past incidents to say that we're not yet Merdeka.
10. People making fun of the "Malaysia Boleh!" (although this goes on throughout the year).

After Merdeka Celebration

1. Flags are everywhere. Especially on the ground. Especially the tiny ones with plastic holders.
2. Newspapers reporting on how youths spent their Merdeka celebration.
3. Newspapers report on rubbish strewn around in the aftermath.
4. Pictures of people who went celebration toasting each other. With alcoholic drinks.
5. Reports on Mat Rempit and Minah Rempit and on how their celebration went.
6. A certain opposition party uses the reports and pictures to streghten their points.
7. Ministers/politicians/religious leaders reminding the citizens that we should preserve our culture and values in celebrating joyous moments.
8. Disturbing emails/pictures/reports with "Malaysia Boleh!" captions.
9. Activists with their own agendas, relating most recent activity showing that we are still not free.
10. People making fun of the "Malaysia Boleh!"

Whatever it might or might not be on merdeka celebration this year, I wish everyone a joyous one. Let's reminisce the hardship (this is also a standard campaign before merdeka celebration) of our forefathers and how throughout the differences in background, culture and religion they stuck together and brought us today. Let's be thankful that even with our shortcomings and crappy organisation, we are not like Indonesia, nor are we starving like certain African countries or at war like the Middle East countries or a big fat liar like certain Western countries. We're peaceful, lovable people. We are Malaysians. And proud to be one.

SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA, MALAYSIA!