Malaysia’s population represents almost all the main ethnic groups of Asia- Indians, Chinese, Malays, etc. Sometimes it’s hard to believe you’re still in the same country, because people and their way of living differ dramatically from one place to another!.

With Malaysia’s multicultural society, it’s hardly a surprise that the food too is a fantastically varied blend of Chinese, Indian, European and other influences. Rice is the staple cereal, but wheat noodles of different types, Indian breads and breads (a legacy of colonial times) supplement vegetables, meats (Muslims do not eat pork), fish, poultry, and a range of spices; the range and variety of flavours are enough to bewilder any Westerner. Important flavourings include the ubiquitous coconut milk, which finds its way into everything from soups and stews to gravies and sauces; and rempah, a spice mix of garlic, chillies, galangal and ginger. Malaysian desserts round off the meal but the best desserts of all are the fruits- durians, mangosteens, passionfruit, star fruit, mangoes, guavas, and more.

While in Malaysia, try some of their specialties- satay (grilled meat with a spicy peanut sauce), nasi lemak/goreng (a traditional rice dish), and a wide range of Chinese and Indian dishes you can sample at roadside stalls.

A unique cuisine of the country is that of the Nonyas or Straits Chinese (the Peranakans). A blend of Malay and Chinese cuisine, Nonya cooking has a flavour all its own, combining spices and coconut milk with typically Chinese flavours like soya sauce.

But what makes us a truly Malaysian is that everyone always having their supper at Mamak's . Maggi goreng + roti telur bawang besar washed down with a few teh o ais or limau ais at 2AM? Steady lah bro. Hahahaha .

Despite the racial conflicts within Malaysia, Malaysians are actually very much united in this multi cultural environment. Taking apart the Malaysia known as the food heaven, Malaysia also attracts quite a number of tourist each year being for a vacation, business trip or even a migration process through MM2H ( Malaysia My 2nd Home) application. I truly believe that the reason may vary from those (foreigners) whom migrate from one country to another. Lets's all put aside the skeptical views we have upon Malaysia which involves the politics, as much of us know that has tarnished the image of Malaysia. Well let me start off with what being Malaysian is to me. It is being able to speak to someone with a mixture of various languages in one sentence without trouble of being understood, and fro most of us (Malaysians), we don't even realize that we do this no matter how much of a racist you are. Not saying this is something to be proud of but it is what it is an i find it very unique, Malaysians are very much willing to help one in need ( not money wise of course! The more money you keep the richer you are mah!). Why i love being a Malaysian is because there are no barrier of relationships terms among-st Malaysian. I say this because I once went on a vacation to Europe and met a couple of elderly people and started calling everyone aunty and uncle and to have them looking at me with a very confused look later to realize that this 'tradition' is only practiced in Malaysia. 

There are few benefits of being a Malaysian. First of all, the government had come up with a few policies that truly help the poor and the students. One of the recognizable policies is the BR1M program. As far as we know, the level of poverty among Malaysians is quite high nowadays, making the year 2020 Wawasan seems to be impossible. However, the government launches the BR1M program, helping the low incomers by giving them RM600 a year. Thus, the government has also issued a RM250 voucher to each student; no matter you are from primary schools or universities. Through this BR1M program, the students from lower income families should be able to purchase their textbooks using the vouchers. 

Besides, Malaysia has one of the highest numbers of public holidays in the world, currently ranking number seven in the top ten countries after Thailand, Indonesia, India and Hong Kong. As a citizen of Malaysia, I would be enjoying at least 18 days off from work a year for free. Working in Malaysia enables us to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Compared to other countries like Singapore, they have a more hectic lifestyle while Malaysia has more flexible working lifestyle. Other than working in the office, Malaysians actually have plenty of time for their families and personal life as well. 

Moreover, Malaysians are required to make a contribution to EPF. As we all know, EPF can be fully withdraw after reaching the age of 55. It will become part of our retirement fund. In Malaysia, employed Malaysian citizen up to the age of 60, earning less than RM 5000 per month, are obligated to contribute 11% of  their wages into their respective EPF accounts. Correspondingly, the employers are required to contribute an additional amount equivalent 13% of the employee's monthly wage.

However for employee who earns more than RM 5000 per month or above, the employer is only required to contribute an additional amount equivalent 12% of the employee's monthly wage to their EPF account. For employees aged 60 and above, they may choose to continue contributing to their EPF account at a reduced 50% rate. The EPF system ensures us having more cash to spend after our retirement.

From when we were in high school, we all learnt that Malaysia is located strategically in geographical terms. We have the great privilege of being protected from certain natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and even volcanoes prior to being surrounded by mountain ranges. On top of that, being a peninsula, Malaysia is a beautifully balanced country with cityscapes, sun and pristine beaches that not only draws tourists but is a huge advantage for us to enjoy.

From KLCC to Pulau Tioman to Legoland, Malaysia have ample attractions for everyone and for any occasion. Looking for sun and sea? We have some of the most reputable beaches in the world. Not a fan of the outdoors? Malaysia has many – maybe even too many – shopping malls carrying famous designers and well-known brands. We even have one of the tallest towers in the world and we are the first in Asia to host Legoland. How awesome does it feel to lift your chin up and say “Yup, that’s my country!”?

Rich in heritage, rich in culture, rich in food – we may not realize this but we are walking on truly blessed soil. Malaysia is so full with natural resources that many other countries can only hope to have. From petroleum to palm oil, we hold in our hands some of the most desired resources in the world yet sometimes we forget just how precious and valuable our country is. On top of that, we also host some of the most majestic and rare flora and faunas like the Rafflesia flower and the hornbill. We cannot deny that these things do set us apart and it’s great to call Malaysia our home. 

Often times we may find ourselves complaining about our humid weather and sometimes we find ourselves wishing to be elsewhere – anywhere but here – but on this Merdeka, let us reflect and remember why Malaysia has been such a perfect home for all of us. The grass may always seem to be greener on the other side, but that’s only because we haven’t taken the time to look beyond the shadow casted over the grass beneath us from which we stand on.