How grateful I am...

Despite the current political turmoil that's happening in Malaysia I just want to express how proud I am to be a Malaysian. When you are in your hometown you might not realise it but once you open your eyes and see the world abroad, you will eventually understand.

Since before our departure I have realised the ties that we have with Great Britain and commonwealth countries in education. One of the good things was that we are able to study in one of the high quality universities recommended by the government of these countries. And up until today, even though some of the contracts are over, the universities keeps in contact with our government. And they even support renewal of the contracts with us, due to the good behaviour of our students. And the overseas college and universities can help to push things especially in acquring visas from their embassy/high commission (It happened to me and my batch). It shows how good relations we have with these people.

And with regards to passport and visas, we have virtually no problem travelling abroad except for Israel, due to our foreign policy. On my latest visit to the Balkans, I didn't have to queue up twice at night to get my visa done, like the Caucasians. "Malaysia?" the officer simply greeted me happily and checked my passport. I was honoured by that notion.

Then I recalled the time when I was in BTN. There was this guy telling us about how powerful Mahathir was in those days.

"If you let me keep my men in your country, I will ensure the safety of every personnel in your army" said the Prime Minister on his visit to Bosnia. There might be some truth in it.

In the place where I'm studying the local people always talk great things about Malaysia.

 "It's my second home," said one. Some of the people here had served in the Malaya during the Communist/Confrontation era. It's as if the history book is alive. They can tell you bit by bit what really happened in during that time.

As for being a prominent country with a vast majority of muslims, our country is even recognisable in country like Bulgaria.

"Malazi? Malazi!" said a palestinian living in Bulgaria with a cheerful smile. They even treat me with palestinian cuisine. It was exciting.

If it is not because of the good relations with other countries, Malaysia wouldn't have gone up this far. I doesn't matter what is going to happen in future, I just hope for the best for my beloved country.