Malaysia... What can I say? My country, my home. Despite the recent developments in the country, I must say that Malaysia is still a beautiful country. A rich country.
Rich? You would ask. Yes. Rich.
Rich in culture.
Rich in colours.
Rich in food.
Rich in people.
Rich in resources.
Rich in destinations.
Rich in talent.
Rich in so many other things.
Now you may ask. Is Malaysia really that rich?
Why not? Here's why.
Rich in culture.
Over the years, different races have been living harmoniously under one 'roof'. Yes. Amazing but true. Our cultures have blended so well that the oh-so-famous Coffee Bean Ice Blended Coffee can't beat that.
We see the Malays giving green packets during Hari Raya. Notice something familiar? Red packets during Chinese New Year.
And when it's EPL season, you'll see people from all walks of life floodingthe mamak stalls to catch their favourite team in action on the big screen.
What about the ever famous batik cloth now fashionably made into cheongsam. It's totally fabulous!
Rich in colours.
Have you ever seen all the different traditional costumes of all the different races in Malaysia all put together? You'll be amazed at the colours on display.
And then there's the Annual Flora Fest held in Putrajaya. Oh! The colours are such a sight for sore eyes.
Rich in food.
Anyone ever tried going on a 'makan' trip anywhere in Malaysia? For the benefit of overseas readers, 'makan' means eat in Malay. The culinary delights you'll find here are of (g)astronomical proportions. I read in a magazine recently that for every hour of the day, you'll be able to find something to fulfill all your cravings.
From the ever so famous nasi lemak to bak kut teh to durian tarts to fish head curry to Portugese grilled fish to chocolate banana cake to asam laksa to char kueh teow to hokkien meehoon to grilled chicken wings to satay to banana leaf rice to roti canai to dim sum to otak-otak.
I have to stop here. My mouth is watering...
Rich in people.
Some might think that there are only three races in Malaysia. The Malays, the Chinese and the Indians. Many have forgotten about the Dayaks, the Kadazans, the Ibans, the Bidayuhs, the Melanau, the Minangkabaus, the orang asli. And just imagine, we all live happily under one 'roof', regardless of race and religion.
Rich in resources.
Has anyone ever pondered upon the fact that the people of Malaysia are one hell of a lucky bunch?
We are strategically located in a little circle within the Pacific Rim of Fire, free of volcanoes, earthquakes, typhoons and hurricanes. Our neighbour, Indonesia, isn't as lucky as us. They have volcanoes which are the most active of the Rim. And to think we are only separated by the Straits of Melaka.
And within this strategic location, we are blessed with petroleum and tin. We have soil so fertile that rubber and palm oil flourish in plantations. Not to mention the various types of fruits that we export to the Western countries.
Rich in destinations.
One will be amazed at the inbound tourists that flood the country year in year out. We have Americans, Europeans, Middle Easterns, Australians, Japanese, Koreans and even Singaporeans constantly arriving on our shores. But have you ever wondered why we have tourists from all over the world coming here year after year after year?
One thing I have to admit is our government does a really good job promoting Visit Malaysia Year. And it's really not that difficult a task to do.
We have some of the best island destinations in the world. From Pulau Pinang to Pulau Langkawi to Pulau Redang to Pulau Perhentian to Pulau Tioman and not to forget Pulau Sipadan, home to one of the best diving locations in the world.
And how can we forget our beloved Mount Kinabalu, tallest mountain in Malaysia. Home to the Rafflesia, the largest single flower in the world. Mount Kinabalu is also home to thirteen species of the insectivorous pitcher plants, the Kinabalu giant red leech, the Kinabalu giant earthworm and the Rhinocerous Hornbill.
Rich in talent.
The above said, we have yet more richness in us. And that is talent. One may not know but there are quite a number of Malaysians who are internationally renowned.
We have Jimmy Choo (shoe designer), Zang Toi (fashion designer), Melinda Looi (fashion designer), Nicole David (squash player), Lee Chong Wei (badminton player), Siti Nurhaliza (singer), the late Sudirman Arshad (singer), Sheila Majid (singer) and oh so many more.
I was born here. I grew up here. I studied here (although I did a twinning program). I work here.
My life is here. My Malaysia.
