Malaysians have gone through a lot for their beloved country. We dared to dream of a better future when Dr Mahathir Mohamad first pitched the Vision 2020 way back in 1991.
Many among the rakyat still try to make Malaysia a better place every year. It’s truly ‘Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita roboh.’
This Merdeka, we ask our readers what makes them proud to be Malaysian despite all the dramas they’ve seen unfold in the country over the years:
Despite it all, we still manage to live under one roof in peace called Malaysia <3 – Santhana
“Anne, roti canai tapau.” 3 languages, 1 sentence. – Siva Kumar Chandran
The Malaysian culture. – the_epicure_mum
That we look out for each other. – Teresa
We look out for each other. There are so many stories of Malaysians helping the less fortunate, especially in our current situation. – Winny
We’re multicultural. We live without war and at peace. – Jwala
I’m proud of our affordable yet relatively high standard of healthcare. Also, I love how we enjoy celebrating each other’s cultural festivals. – YN
The love for food. – Qi Wen
Two words: Malaysian food. – Praveen

I got good food, great people, and we’re polyglots! – Daphne
Nasi kandar! – Yusry Rofeman
We have one of the best culinary experiences in the world. – Linda
Having friends with different ethnicities, and I learnt to speak 5 languages. – Pua
Mixed cultures and plenty of opportunities. – Kiru
The various cultures and languages we have. – WSueY
Most of us are multilingual since young. – Kiry
Kindness. – Mr K
We are a multiracial country that celebrates different festivals and we have lots of food choices. – Gengadevi Koothaperumal
The people – Tina

Don’t know what to eat because too many choices lah. – bb.katun
Variety of yummy food. – Farah
Variety of cultures. – Nivedha Murugan
The fact that I love durians makes me a true Malaysian. - Cherisha Sharma
Public holidays. – Kaarthik
Food came to my mind instantly. – Olivia
What makes us Malaysian is our language is rojak like no other language. – zyinwty
Our multiracial citizens living in harmony. – S
Peaceful and so many foods to eat. – Shaqi Sumari
Food – Tara
Diversity – Choeh Jiat Chan
This article was first published in theSun Buzz Merdeka edition. Feeling bored this Merdeka Day? Check out these long series to binge watch and reminisce with the cast of The Walking Dead as they approach their final season.