By Allan CF Goh
Respect Merdeka Day!
Merdeka Day is for the celebration
Of national achievement and calibration
It is a day of by and for the people
Not for meaningless slogans and words of tipple
It must highlight the single aspiration
Of the common dream of one people, one Nation
It is not a politicians’ comic stage
For playing imagined greatness and false image
Merdeka must invoke an inspiration
Towards a genuine oneness of a great Nation
Not for touting the supremacy of race
Nor the other communities’ contrived disgrace
It must show a people’s commemoration
Of all worthy deeds for a loved righteous Nation
Adhering to right is right to follow right
Malaysia can be a Nation of brightest light
Let’s respect the Merdeka celebration
By respecting each big or small contribution
Let every Malaysian be paid the homage
As the Nation’s invaluable heritage
When all can stand equal before the Nation
That will be the greatest cause for celebration