The Final Countdown

This is it, people.

The last step in this whirlwind journey. The day of reckoning. Showtime.

The rain came down hard and fast last Saturday (Aug 25), and it dampened everything but the spirits of the Merdeka 50 performers. The harder the going gets, the more brilliant their smiles become.

Beind each person is a story of struggle, sometimes immense struggles. I'm sure everybody who have a part of this journey has their story to tell. Take Vivian Tai for example. Vivian is a beautician (with flawless skin), who owns two beauty parlours.

In participating in this Merdeka 50 performance, she had to endure scorn from people around her. "Why are you doing all this? It's not like you're getting paid!" Despite being taunted, she decided that, "What I'm doing is the right thing, and I'm going ahead." In this age where people have no stand of their own and are easily swayed by "public opninion", Vivian's conviction is admirable indeed. In an age where people only look out for their own interests and are too busy lining their own pockets, Vivian's selflessness stands out.

Her experience shows that strength of character does not come from titles, positions or power. It comes from the heart.

SGM's performance is really one of a kind, and will surely stand out on the Big Day.

Thousands of people other than those from SGM have worked hard to put this Merdeka 50 celebration together. We too should appreciate their efforts in making this entire event a success. I was particularly impressed by the discipline and harmony shown by the secondary schools' brass band.

Also, to the "fanatical" members of the SGM fanclub, your presence really left an impression on the audience during the rehearsal. "Who are those crazy people shouting, cheering and clapping, even from the side of the field?"

Yep, we have a further 80 members of the Cultural Division performing under the umbrella of Istana Budaya, who also doubled up as the fanclub as well. Can't help but notice a bunch of crazy people screaming their lungs out when everyone else is so quiet. Even when they were at the side of the field, waiting for the finale, the applause and cheers didn't stop. What will we do without you?

Of course, not forgetting the efforts of other SGM members in Kl and around the country who are contributing to the country's Merdeka celebration. Your contribution is invaluable too.

Thanks a lot guys, for joining us on this wonderful journey. Hope that you guys will still maintain your links with SGM long after this event.

All right then, just a little over 30 hours to go from the moment of truth. The whole nation, and foreign guests who will there, will be looking forward to a fantastic show from you guys.

In the words of captain Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Make it so."

"Youth is a truly wonderful thing. Unfortunately though, this is something that's hard to appreciate when we're young. Life passes by quickly. before we know it, we are old. That's why in our youth we should live as active as we possibly can. Rather than a life of blank pages, live a life crammed full of well-fought and wonderfully diverse experiences. Not to leave behind any history, to grow old and die, is a sad way to live"

- SGI President Daisaku Ikeda