We will be celebrating our 53 ^rd year of Merdeka tomorrow. Not many events to commemorate this special day of liberty from the colonial master are being planned. However, the spirit and the pride of being a nation with all its diversity in people and religious beliefs and still able to pull through, despite of undesirable elements out to disrupt the peace and tranquility that exists, is itself a great achievement.

Looking back, the country has made great strides and moved itself forward. Many a similar nation that had gained independence from their colonial masters have failed very miserably owing to the greed and temptations of their elected leaders who were only bent on building their own nests at the expense of the country they were elected and entrusted to govern.

But there is strong fear among the people that this progress cannot be sustained at a comfortable levels if there are no drastic changes to the way the country is governed.

Today, a new political awakening has occurred in our nation. A political system basing its strength on a 'divide and rule' the races with each community leader taking care of his own people has been found to be no longer workable if the nation is to forge ahead.

Barisan Nasional (BN) has reached a stage where it cannot manage the coalition anymore. The people who once supported them either willingly or reluctantly are abandoning BN despite the threats or fear of race or religion or pitting one race against the other.

The threats of recurrence of May 13 no longer hold water. Today, two different political wings are on opposing sides, one an old and antiquated system and the other a coalition of the old systems but united in its ideological diversity, striving to work for the betterment of the nation.

Pakatan Rakyat appears to be the new hope moving in a direction most people feel should be the right path for a diversified nation.

The status quo established over a long period cannot be dismantled within a short time. Patience more than tolerance must be allowed for gradual changes to take place and education - not force - must direct the people to accept what is good for everybody in the long run.

Sometimes, we are made to feel uncomfortable in our own country when we are told to ‘get out’ if constructive questions are raised on certain government policies that have not produced the desired positive effects. The incandescent outbursts by some people when such questions of concern are brought up, clearly exhibit their limited intellectual capacity to grasp the true essence and intentions of the reality of the situation.

I am sure the majority of Malaysians do not fall for the ranting and show of force by certain people who have their own vested interests either politically or in other lucrative ways.

This Merdeka Day is a good opportunity for us to show our unity for the nation we love and value very much. A simple patriotic act will be to display the national flag proudly in front of all our homes or places of work. Our political divide should not dampen or cloud our love for our country.

Happy Merdeka to all!