This year, Malaysia celebrates her 68th Merdeka, and I can’t help but feel excited and grateful. Looking back, our country has come such a long way. What I treasure most is the stability and prosperity we enjoy today. None of this would have been possible without the struggles, sacrifices, and courage of those who came before us—the heroes who carved the path towards independence. May they all rest in peace. 🙏

As I think about Merdeka, I also find myself reflecting on my own journey. Reaching where I am today was not without struggles. I’ve had regrets and mishaps along the way, but I’ve come to see that they are part of what shaped me. The person I am today—the one people see—is the sum of all those experiences, both good and bad. In a way, that too is my Merdeka: the freedom to grow from my past, to stand as who I am today.

Time comes and goes, and nothing stays the same forever. But as long as I live, I want to cherish this life and the experiences that have been given to me. I also feel the need to say sorry—to those who may have been hurt or saddened by my actions. I sincerely hope for their forgiveness.

Now at 46, I believe my journey of learning is far from over. There is still so much to understand, so many mistakes to correct—not to erase the past, but to grow into someone better. One thing I know I must work on is learning to prioritise. I often take on too much at once and feel overwhelmed. Bit by bit, I’m trying to set things in order so I can truly succeed in what I set out to achieve.

Isn’t that what our country is also doing? Bit by bit, Malaysia is striving to improve—to be better, to right past wrongs, to celebrate those who have contributed, and to support those who are still growing.

So today, I just want to say: thank you, Malaysia. Thank you, Malaysians. Let us be grateful, let us continue striving, and let us remember that life, with all its ups and downs, is truly wonderful. 🌺✨

Merdeka! 🇲🇾

Here, I am sharing Perky Piung's Merdeka Portrait. Hehe, hope to have mine soon...