Lima puluh tahun merdeka

I was born after 18 years of independence. By comparison to a typical kid in this country, 18 is the number of freedom. No more schools. Can find a job, own money, own cigarettes, do the donts, etc. I am convinced Malaysia is more than those at that particular time. That was the 70's. At least the number of school was increasing, instead of no more school. I can't remember much though.

25 years of independence - I was in the primary school. For a 25 years old man, he is supposed to have a good career and income. Able to start and support a family. Malaysia at that time from my 7 years old view was looking great. Business was good, sports was good and finally we can afford our own car.

35 years of independence - I finished my secondary school. 35 for a man, represents maturity. No more nonsense - focus. And so did this country. Being on the right track, we already knew how to be established, how to break records, how to manipulate the situation. Oh! we won the Thomas Cup!

Men in their 40's are often associated with middle life crisis. They became less mature. Start spending on unnecessaries. For those who get married when they were 25, family crisis started to occur. 1997 - I was in the university then. Malaysian internet was at its early years. Craps can be delivered and accessed by anyone. The peace in the coutry was shaken by some high-class political dramas. Business wasn't going very well too. High investment in sports development started to give the unexpected outcomes.

Now, here we are, heading to the 50th year of independence.

Commonly associated with illnesses, a 50 years old man should be mature enough to face any challenge. Slow and steady the called it. But today, I read the news where a man in his 50's kicked his own wife when he caught her spying on him when he was with another woman, grandpas were put in jail for drugs possession, bribery, sexual harrassments, etc.

Then I realized, a 50 years old man also could be a convict! ... and are lacking of energy to play any sports...

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI KEMERDEKAAN YANG KE-50.