National Principles, always?

WHEREAS OUR COUNTRY MALAYSIA nurtures the ambitions of:

• achieving a more perfect unity amongst the whole of her society;
• preserving a democratic way of life;
• creating a just society where the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed together in a fair and equitable manner;
• guaranteeing a liberal approach towards her rich and varied cultural traditions; and
• building a progressive society that will make use of science and modern technology.

NOW THEREFORE WE, the people of Malaysia, pledge to concentrate the whole of our energy and efforts to achieve these ambitions based on the following principles:

• BELIEF IN GOD
• LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY
• THE SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION
• THE RULE OF LAW
• COURTESY AND MORALITY

I still remember the time when we're made to memorize the five principles above in school and even in scouting. The May 13 riot in '69 changed many things and these principle serve to preserve and promote unity among the people. Of course, most know that what we read in the textbook isn't entirely true based on official documents.

Today, whilst we still hold on to these principles and occasionally flash them in the television during National Day, funny we still see how some still trample on them and make a mockery out of the whole thing. But hey, these ideals and the visions of the founding fathers are reflected upon and often harped on during elections. It's the same all over the world right?

And I'm going to see the chiropractor in a day or two when the pile of stuff is gone. Killing me, both work and the pain.