Negaraku

Negaraku
Tanah tumpahnya darahku
Rakyat hidup bersatu dan maju
Rahmat bahagia Tuhan kurniakan
Raja kita selamat bertakhta
Rahmat bahagia Tuhan kurniakan
Raja kita selamat bertakhta

Why do we sing the Negaraku? When do we sing it? Do we limit it to official functions or sporting events where I dare bet that many sing (some don't even open their mouth) for the sake of singing it without real feelings of admiration nor pride and I can't be sure if what was sung did eulogise the history, tradition, or the struggle of our forefathers. Oh yes, I always sing the Negaraku louder than the ones beside, in front and behind me. I'm a pendatang who has come to love the country I was born in and proud of her.

I can't say much about those singing them at PJ but back in Penang a month ago, it was about all about the hope in the country, knowing someday that it's one that's changeable. I'm in no position to judge how it'd be sung but I know that as long as it's sung, then one ought to show respect to it.

One asked what if robbers ran away whilst singing the national anthem. I hope these law enforcers won't be that stupid in such situation. There's this thing called judgement and discretion. When caught, the robber should be punished for not respecting the national anthem too.

I doubt that a permit is needed to sing a song, what more a national anthem, in public.