As Merdeka Day on August 31 approaches, a flurry of officially sanctioned activities is being organised to celebrate our independence.
One such activity, as a precursor to the auspicious day, is exhorting the people to fly the Jalur Gemilang (gemilang means excellence).
Flying the flag symbolises pride and loyalty to the nation, as well as to show the spirit of patriotism, and to acknowledge support for the government.
On the appointed day, parades are held all over the country, with the main one in Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, where we put on display our fighting men and their military assets, with contingents from various civil and professional organisations marching past the grandstand where royalty and politicians take the salute.
It is a ceremony of pomp and grandeur, giving the impression of a strong, resilient, and formidable country, governed by capable leaders.
It, however, belies the reality of the true state of affairs.
What has independence brought us in the last 65 years?
Have we got a good gemilang governance, a comfortable standard of living, a sound education system, strong economic fundamentals and financial institutions, an armed forces second to none, leadership qualities beyond reproach, a harmonious society where race, religion, and creed do not factor in our deliberations and engagements in providing opportunities for all and sundry?
Looking at what had transpired in the past, and what is currently happening, perhaps, there is not much to celebrate.
We are in a horrendous political and financial imbroglio, perpetrated by those in power for the last 65 years, especially since the new millennia.
The country has been notoriously declared as the most corrupt nation in the world, courtesy of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, billed as the heist of the century.
Before that, there was the Scorpene submarine corruption scandal, involving the same high-profile politician that allegedly resulted in the death of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu.
The latest is the Littoral Combat Ship fiasco, involving six frigates for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The RM6 billion programme has suffered cost overruns and will now cost Malaysian taxpayers more than RM9 billion. The delivery date for the ships has also slipped, resulting in a capability gap for the RMN.
And still before that, was the late delivery of the MD530G light attack helicopters from the United States.
The list of misappropriation goes on. This has adversely affected the sovereignty and security of the nation.
On top of this, we have a leadership that prioritises fulfilling their political agenda, rather than focusing on the wellbeing of the people.
How can they coerce the people to show loyalty when the top politicians themselves have undermined the security and the economic wellbeing of the nation?
With all of these going on, the country is on its path to ruin. It is becoming increasingly difficult to take part in celebrating Merdeka.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13.
