PROUD TO BE PROUD TO BE MALAYSIANMALAYSIAN

Tuesday June 26, 2007

Proud to be MalaysianBy VERONICA AKIEWVeronica Akiew, 25, is a senior training

consultant who scored As in all her English tests, and owns a huge collection of stilettos, peep toes, sneakers, sandals and slippers.

I was born and raised in Kuching, Sarawak. I am of mixed parentage. My father is Bidayuh and my mother, Chinese. Growing up in a multi-racial family has taught me to respect people of different races and heritage, and my parents have taught me that racism hurts.

I was also taught to appreciate and love my country, Malaysia.

I lived in Kuching until I was 20, when I moved to Kuala Lumpur to further my studies. I then continued working in Kuala Lumpur.

My job allows me to travel quite a bit. I have been to many places, met new faces and experienced different cultures, but I realise that nowhere in the world can compare with Malaysia and its friendly people, and fantastic array of food, our colourful culture and rich heritage.

To me, being Malaysian means having an identity – to have an identity you can call your own, but at the same time recognise that every Malaysian (regardless of race, culture or religion) is different and unique. Despite our differences, we are all bonded by the knowledge that, as a nation, we love our country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWAW8ZAf65A&feature=related