Patriotism and Unity in Melbourne

Yesterday evening, while Xuan Ni and I were walking back to College Square, we met a few Malay juniors who were heading to the city. The young, exuberant lads were clad in Malaysian flags and equipped with DIY "Malaysia Boleh" banners. I regret that I missed the chance to capture their striking outfit which some may think as incoherent with the Melbourne backdrop, but they exuded pride in their cause - they were off to support the Malaysia team playing for Gold in the Commonwealth Games Badminton mixed team event.

I attended the semi-final the day before, and the atmosphere was simply rapturous and overwhelming. The Malaysian supporters contingent, although relatively small in number, made a prominent vocal presence in the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. We were sure that we have taught the Melburnian the Malaysian vocabulary. Although I didn't join the Malaysian supporters this time, I am sure they would have cheered even harder and louder for our team - they won the England team 3 - 1.

I can't help but to wonder how patriotism and unity is playing in the air when you least know it. The Malaysian Badminton team consisted of only Malaysian Chinese. On the way home, I was thinking how good it would be if we share the same spirit on every arena in Malaysia. I dream that one day, our fellow countrymen are judged by the merit of your qualification but not kulit-fication. I dream that one day we don't have to bicker over oranges and apples when everyone knows the exact difference between them. I dream that one day, we share the pride of our achievements regardless of skin colours. I dream that one day, we no longer wonder why only 2.3% scored A1 in SPM Chinese paper when more than 10% can score A1 in many other subjects. I dream that one day, unity and patriotism transcends the realm of political rhetorics and SPM writings, to our every breath and step. I dream.