The younger generation of Malaysia these days, some at the tender ages of 7 and 8, have been exposed to violence - both domestic violence as well as violence in the outside world. A handful of children in Malaysia have been robbed of their innocence, being raped, some even murdered, by family members, the very people whom they trust the most. Hence, I wish for the innocence of children to be maintained...and not be taken advantage of



Nowadays, in a world where the wonders of technology takes over, it's hard to find situations where people consider just reading a book, or staying home with family, or having a simple game of Scrabble , or (in the picture) playing bottlecaps, fun. Fun has been re-defined to include all things technology - where people get caught up in a world where "if technology it's not included, it's no longer fun". Where have all those days gone? Those days of just sitting out in the porch, chit chatting with family members. Taking a walk with family members after dinner. They have all been replaced by the computer screens, the tv screens, the mobile phones etc. Hence, I wish to go back to the times when having fun was simple, and being/playing simple was fun

25 years old, investment banker, kuala lumpur

If I'm given a wish, that I must dedicate it to my country.....I'll wish for my country to have great leaders that'll lead the nation to wealth, socio-economy growth, and most importantly repair any racial gaps and improved the unity among races.

Because I remember, back in primary school, I learn and lived amongst Indians, Chinese, and Malays...there's ever a Kadazan kid in school. And we are friends...and I liked that. We never minded that I've yellow skin, that Mohd Arif and Nazreen has a soft brown skin while Yasothini and Surenan Raj are dark as ever...........I never felt that it matters. And that is where I learned the true meaning of the idea of one race ==> MALAYSIAN.

A typical thing that you'll see if you study in a public school. The above picture is taken from Exif's Photostream (Flickr).

peppertongue.blogspot.com, 26, Adelaide

i wish malaysians would tell me their dreams...
so that i can help malaysians see, beyond all our differences,
political, religious, racial, cultural and all,
we all have a dream and a hope for our country

These are two tealight candles I have. I had left one outside a few months ago.
When I tried lighting the candles, only one would light. The other one would flicker and then go out.

Some of my friends remind me of that candle, all the fuel it needs to light has been placed inside but because of the environment it's in, things have become attached to it that prevents it from lighting properly and the light goes out.

My dream for malaysia is that my friends would shine like they were meant to, that they wouldn't let the environment tell them that they can't do it, that they would go for what they have in their heart, that they would live for something bigger than themselves.

My dream for malaysia is also my dream for myself.

26years old, London

i am a young Malaysian working in London. i left my job in Malaysia because i could not endure the long hours we work in Malaysia and the Malaysian work culture. in London, i found a sustainable career but a lonely city.

this chinese new year's eve. i spent my day in my room alone, wishing i could teleport myself home to be with my family. i have a very close knit loving family. grandparents who love me to death, wonderful cousins, supportive aunts and uncles, a very forgiving mum, an amazing sister and two brothers whom i love very much.

i could not even call my family even though i missed them, because i know hearing their voices would make me cry more and i didn't want my tears to spoil the joyful new year mood at home...

i dream of a Malaysia, where i can build a career and a future.
so that i can have a job, earning power and still stay close to my family.
that one day, reunion dinner with my family, my family's love and laughter and a happy chinese new year every year is just a short drive away....

homesick, 26 years old, London

Sunday, 25 January 2009

the scene at the sect 17 market reminded me of the diversity we have in Malaysia. A myriad of spices and condiments, each distinct in flavour and colour...

I dream of a Malaysia where diversity works hand in hand to create a masterpiece and not against one another...




this picture was taken in Semporna, Sabah. It was heartwarming to see the smiles of the Sempornian family despite the poverty of Semporna.

i dream of a Malaysia where every child will laugh at the future because opportunity is each and every's birthright