National Anthem Sang from the Golden/Durian mouth

For the past week, I have seen a lot of news in regards to singing or broadcasting the national anthem in events, in cinema and etc. I remember during school days, we will start of the day by flying the flag and singing the national anthem at the start of the assembly. There are students who sang or shall I say shout and there are some who sang as though there are going for Malaysia idol. And of course there are some who just move their lips ala Milli Vanilli and some who will just does not open the mouth at all (like me).

Its not that I am not proud to be a Malaysian, I am just not that kind who will open the mouth to sing. I remember even during those days when Karaoke was like everyday life and the “in thing, I still did not really went to any session. A lot of session were organize, some during annual dinner, some during gathering between school friends but I have not really actively participate in one. Most of the time I will be just sitting there and maybe once in a while I will “Hoo Hoo”, “Wah Wah” joining in the chorus.

I was told by my mom that I am a bit slow to start talking. I am not sure at what age but my mom said that she almost seeks professional help as she thought that I might be mute. HaHaHa. In my family circle I was known to be the quiet type. I am the type that will prefer to listen than talk. I was known as the golden or durian mouth. You know the type that once open the mouth something remarkable will comes out or for some that try to coax me for reaction is like trying to open a durian. Even now after 18 years of working I prefer to write rather than call or talk. I guess I am still an old shy goat.

In Thailand they will actually broadcast the national anthem before the actual movie starts, after all the advertisement. The audience are required to stand up and sing it. The non-resident is also required to stand up to show respect. My wife will actually sang it and I notice most of the audience do. At the end of the anthem most of the audience will also bow. I remember during my younger days, our cinema practises the same thing but somehow it was abolished.

In Thailand, they will also normally broadcast the national anthem at 6pm on the TV and also in public place. I remember the first time I was caught by surprise when I was in a food court. All of a sudden most of the people around me seem to slow down what they are doing and some stops. I realise that the national anthem was playing on the public speaker. Actually it does not make any difference whether the cinema plays the anthem or not, I am still a Malaysian, I am proud to be one.