my first rally

going to my first rally was a rejoicing experience. no, it was exhilarating.

although the venue was totally packed, i never felt so at ease and proud before. maybe because everyone there were singaporeans. Not only being singaporeans, but hopeful singaporeans.

i recalled how i tried to venture through the human crowd, and how people just smiled at me to let me pass. I also recalled how I was calling my friend to look for him amidst the crowd, and a lady- yes, a stranger, tapped on my shoulder and tell me my friend was 10m away.
yes, she was eavesdropping on what i'm saying and know that i'm looking for someone holding his laptop bag high up.. but no, it's not an infringement of privacy.

even when the speeches begun to go channel 8, i see singaporeans volunteerily asking their malay and indian brothers and sisters if they needed any translation.. and they just did it on the spot, attempting to take clearly while cupping hands around the ears of their fellow singaporeans. no, it's not an infringement of privacy, it's looking out for each other. looking out for a fellow singaporeans.

i have never felt like i'm at ease, i have never felt like i am at home since the mid of the 2000. Singaporeans have all changed. maybe, there wasn't any Singaporeans. Yes, most of the Singaporeans were not really around on crowded trains on my way home (70% would belong to other nationalities, with different social habits). The only remaining Singaporeans were left to fend for themselves and be selfish. on top of these reasons, there are many reasons that takes the pride of being a Singaporean away from me.

I was happy today that i was among a crowded of true Singaporeans. Amiable and kind, true and passionate. It's as though i was back in the NDP i attended while i was 5, whereby hopes and pride from being a Singaporean surges in me again.

today, i recovered my pride and my hope. don't bring it away.

Majullah Singapura.