National Day is celebrated across the country in diverse ways.
At national and state levels, the occasion is commemorated at designated places with marches and other activities, with people from all walks of life showcasing their loyalty and patriotism to the nation.
Some residents of the Bukit Bandaraya area, for their part, held a small gathering at the home of one of the residents. I was one of the few outsiders invited to join in the merriment.
Sumptuous food was served to those who attended the event. It was heartwarming to see people of different ethnic backgrounds, including foreigners, at the event.
The organisers said that the aim of the little celebration was to strengthen the bonds of friendship among the multi-racial residents of the area.
After all, Malaysia draws its strength as a nation from its multi-racial mosaic. Diversity has always been the nation’s biggest asset. Only racial and religious bigots think otherwise.
A wide range of breakfast items reflecting the diversity of Malaysian cuisine was served. On the table were dishes like roti canai, nasi lemak, fried mee hoon and sausages. The association had encouraged residents to bring along some food to be served.
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Such occasions of fellowship have helped to strengthen ties among the residents. Many of them have lived here since the neighbourhood grew in the early 1970s.
Following the breakfast and photo session, the residents adjourned to the nearby Free Tree Society nursery, about half a kilometre away. There, they were given a briefing and tour of the society’s efforts to green the neighbourhood and the role residents can play.
This is our little contribution for a greener Malaysia and our way of helping to reduce the adverse effects of climate change. I am proud as a Bangsarian and concerned resident that we are doing our part to battle environmental degradation.
Bangsar’s ecological connector
Those present were also briefed on the upcoming community forest and “Bangsar ecological connector” project, which aims to reconnect the neighbourhood with nature.
The project aims to connect the urban forest of the Pulai Trail, Federal Hill to the green spaces of Rimba Ilmu at the University of Malaya. This will be done through community-driven planting initiatives.
The project zone has been designated as a forerunner in forming an ecological garden area for this urban community. The area will see native plants species planted to support local wildlife, primarily birds and butterflies.
A people’s science study will be undertaken in tandem with the planting in the area. This will entail community-driven data congregation while supporting the observation of birds and butterflies.
This project will surely delight environmentalists and those who are passionate about preserving our flora and fauna. It is a small way of doing our part to preserve our ecological heritage for posterity. If we are unable to do great things in life, we can surely do little things in a great way!
Although I was an outsider, many of the residents there were warm and friendly towards me. How I wish people at all levels today exuded such a spirit reminiscent of the Malaysia I grew up in the 1960s. Occasions and gatherings like this make me feel proud to be Malaysian.
They also make me feel proud to be a Bangsarian. In return, I want to contribute in my own little way to ensure Bangsar remains a great place to live in.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
A tiny area – Bangsar and Bkt Bandaraya compared to KL. Suffice to say, this article is hardly representative of life in KL. A lot of people who live there are oblivious to the actual situation in and around KL, sad indeed
If you have READ my article properly, it was only focused on the National Day celebrations in Bangsar and in no way did I make any comparison with any other parts of KL.
Please don’t make any unfounded allegations about Bangsar and its residents.
Interesting Article Benedict Lopez. Never failing to provide a view of life around KL. Nice to read about people of different races coming together, like days of old when we were younger. Thanks for sharing.
Yes Pete, remembering the good old days of the 60s when we were growing up in Cochrane Road, a bygone era that is unlikely to return.
Was This occasion organised by Bukit Bandaraya Association or an individual … n a few of his close friends ..I hope people don’t misrepresent events organised by sincere people to be twisted n misrepresented as organised by BBRA..very sad trend among Malaysians especially an event on Merdeka day !
Not important the names of the people who organized this event but more important is the good citizens of Bukit Bandaraya were big hearted enough to organize and commemorate this important event in the calendar of our country.
Kudos to all of them!