Merdeka!

There were many questions asked of the average lay man in the run up to Merdeka. None got me thinking more than Astro's "Who do you think is the greatest Malaysian?"

To me, the greatest Malaysian would be someone who genuinely cares about this country. He cares enough not to litter. He cares enough to drive by the rules. He cares enough to devote his time and energy to saving our biodiversity for future generations.

In the midst of a country riddled with corruption, he does not take bribes, nor give them. In a society with shocking bathroom habits, he cleans up after himself. In a boat full of selfish people, he prospers his neighbour.

He does not take what is not his. He does not insist he be given what he has not worked for. He puts back everything in its place.

He says please and thank you, does not cheat on his wife or his business partner, looks after his parents and does his best for his children.

Find me someone who has all of the above and I will show you the greatest Malaysian.