MERDEKA MALAYSIA MERDEKA!!

MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!.... Today, Sunday 31st August 2008, Malaysia celebrates its 51st Merdeka Day!(Independence Day). Yesterday, I took part in the "HIJRAH MERDEKA AMAL MUBARAK 2008", organised by MUBARAK (Majlis Bekas Wakil Rakyat Wilayah Persekutuan), in conjunction with the spirit of Merdeka. (Will elaborate on this event later.)

What was important was the fact that never before have I sang a patriotic song (Jalur Gemilang) and the Malaysian National Anthem (Negara Ku) for so many times in a day! We sang them each time we stopped at our 'kembara' ('adventure') destination and in total there were 6 stops - including having tea with the TYT Yang diPertua Negeri Melaka (Governor of Malacca) and finally, dinner at the residence of YAB Ketua Menteri Melaka(Chief Minister of Malacca). Naturally, the final destination was where we celebrated the much awaited moment! Having sung the song and the national anthem several times already, our patriotic enthusiasm was at an all time high! The minute the clock struck 12 midnite, we excitedly waved our mini flags and sang more patriotic songs with patriotic gusto! It was fun! The food was good too (loved the kambing beryani!) and the musical band that entertained us throughout the whole evening was great also!

We spent the nite in Malacca at the Seri Warisan Hotel in Air Keroh and this morning, many proceeded to see the Merdeka parade, whilst some, including me, decided to drive back to Kuala Lumpur.

As a commemoration to Malaysia's Merdeka Day today, am gonna share some patriotic songs and videos with you. MERDEKA!

Negaraku dan Laungan Merdeka 1957:



31 Ogos by Sudirman Hj Arshad:



Lagu Hari Kemerdekaan Malaysia 51:



Jalur Gemilang:



Malaysia Gemilang:

Joss Stone - Son of a Preacher Man

I have only recently discovered Joss Stone and I like her vocals and style.

Melissa Etheridge & Joss Stone - Janis Joplin Tribute

Janis Joplin has always been one of my favourite singers but sadly she left early in her prime years due to a 'deep bout of loneliness'. Anyway, as a tribute to Janis, Melissa and Joss Stone rendered "Cry Baby" & "Take Another Piece Of My Heart" beautifully. By the way, when she sang the song, Melissa has just undergone chemotherapy for her breast cancer. That explained her baldheadedness but the spirit she displayed is indeed to be commended by all!

"Here In My Home" - Malaysian Artistes For Unity

News Clips (Excerpted Fr. Malaysiakini.com):

A group of Malaysian artistes got together one fine day and made an anti -racism song and music video.

Pete was juggling tomatoes and was getting bored. So he telephoned a few friends instead: "how about getting together to make an anti-racism song and music video?" Al said yes without hesitation. Not because Pete threatened them with a rusty knife. Only because they love Malaysia.

The contingent swelled to 52 people a few days later. It included filmmakers, dancers, singers, producers. musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, designers, footballers, activists, celebrities, students and a florist. Nobody would be paid. Yet they were enthused. not because they were high on speed. Only because they love Malaysia.

They gathered to record the song. It had a catchy chorus and was able to induce a mass sing-along. everyone was happy when it was done. They named it 'Here In My Home'. Then more people joined. The party now included more than 120 people. But the budget remained exactly zero. It seems even the spreadsheet loves malaysia.

Everyone turned up for the video shoot. Much fun was had and friendships made. Video editors went to work after the shoot was done. Both the recording and the video would be given away for free. A gift to the nation. From those who love malaysia to those who feel the same.

Did you ask what this is all about?

It's about love.

Malaysiakini.tv feels that this is a beautiful project and really reflects what a majority of Malaysians feel and want -- released from the shackles of racism. We congratulate the 52 people who created this project.

Below is the entire entry in 'about' at http://www.malaysianartistesforunity.info
(The video is available for free download from this site)

I too congratulate them on this novel effort. SYABAS!!