Merdeka
August 31st is Merdeka or Independence Day for Malaysia, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of independence. It's a big deal. Well, actually, I'm not sure. Ever since the beginning of the year there's been events organised by the government, and the last couple of months it's been all over the media. When I talk to people, some seem really excited, but others just seem grateful for a holiday whatever the reason.
The place is full of flags. I got in a short jam when they closed a road for a few minutes the other day to let a bunch of cyclists, followed by motorcyclists, followed by a few trucks, go past. This is more dramatic than it sounds - I dont think I've seen more than 5 bicycles in KL in the last year! They all had flags. I have no idea where they had come from, where they were going, or what the point was, but it made for interesting chatter with the cab driver!
Then I heard that all condos and businesses are required to display a flag - but some have so many that it's almost ridiculous! Brickfields (my new home) is no exception:
My Merdeka celebrations started early, by going to see "Tunku the musical" with Sharmini & Tamara the other night. It explores how Malaysia has grown in the 50 years since Tunku became the first Malaysian Prime Minister - and Ky-Gan co-wrote the words and lyrics, which made it all the more impressive! I didn't learn much about Tunku himself (I don't really understand the title..) but it was cool how the issues were expressed through the impact on individuals, the general feeling amongst the population, and the role of the media.
Then this morning I got up early and watched the Merdeka Parade on tv with Schvonne. It was quite educational, and the things that surprised me were the inclusion of the private sector in the parade (telecoms, tv, oil etc), the floats (think Christmas pagent) and the sheer number of people involved - 5000! It wasn't just a parade, there was lots of dancing and music, but for me all of that seemed the same through the 2 or so hours. As far as entertainment goes, I prefered the Colours of Malaysia earlier in the year, with more varied dancing and music. For all of the singing about diversity (thanks for the translations Schvonne!) I didn't see much representation of the Chinese & Indian cultures.
The place is full of flags. I got in a short jam when they closed a road for a few minutes the other day to let a bunch of cyclists, followed by motorcyclists, followed by a few trucks, go past. This is more dramatic than it sounds - I dont think I've seen more than 5 bicycles in KL in the last year! They all had flags. I have no idea where they had come from, where they were going, or what the point was, but it made for interesting chatter with the cab driver!
Then I heard that all condos and businesses are required to display a flag - but some have so many that it's almost ridiculous! Brickfields (my new home) is no exception:
My Merdeka celebrations started early, by going to see "Tunku the musical" with Sharmini & Tamara the other night. It explores how Malaysia has grown in the 50 years since Tunku became the first Malaysian Prime Minister - and Ky-Gan co-wrote the words and lyrics, which made it all the more impressive! I didn't learn much about Tunku himself (I don't really understand the title..) but it was cool how the issues were expressed through the impact on individuals, the general feeling amongst the population, and the role of the media.
Then this morning I got up early and watched the Merdeka Parade on tv with Schvonne. It was quite educational, and the things that surprised me were the inclusion of the private sector in the parade (telecoms, tv, oil etc), the floats (think Christmas pagent) and the sheer number of people involved - 5000! It wasn't just a parade, there was lots of dancing and music, but for me all of that seemed the same through the 2 or so hours. As far as entertainment goes, I prefered the Colours of Malaysia earlier in the year, with more varied dancing and music. For all of the singing about diversity (thanks for the translations Schvonne!) I didn't see much representation of the Chinese & Indian cultures.
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