In conjunction with Malaysia’s Merdeka Day today, of course, many people have shared what Merdeka means to themselves. National badminton legend, Dato ‘Lee Chong Wei also did not miss the opportunity to share through a post on his Facebook account.
Through the post, he has shared his experience of traveling far to compete in badminton tournaments abroad in the name of Malaysia. Throughout his experience abroad, he has shared about his longing for Malaysian food as well as his friends from various races who travel in the country.
Here is the full story he posted on Facebook:
“Throughout my sporting career, one world I traveled to play badminton, for the sake of a flag on my chest. Sometimes go close, sometimes far. I have been to developed countries, there have also been times in developing countries and backward countries.
Here I want to share a little bit of experience of traveling far. This was 6 years ago. At that time I was in the 99th place. In order to collect points to participate in the Rio Olympics, I had to travel far to the United States and Canada. Fly 30 hours + one way beb!
Like other international tournaments, before leaving, I must have Maggi, Milo and PingPong Hup Seng biscuits. If not, be willing not to fly beb.
After winning in New York, I arrive in Calgary. Surprise too, guys. Like a high class Cowboy town. Sheer cowboy emblems are everywhere. After getting to know a little bit, apparently the entire central city is in preparation for the Stampede Festival, a cowboy festival celebrated by cowboy tribes in the United States and Canada.
Calgary is beautiful too. The Rockies are among the most captivating sights for me. Seriously.
After eating Western food for a week in the US and Canada, my father’s friend Mr E who opened a badminton hall in Calgary took me to eat at Malaysian restaurants in Calgary. It has a bit of a Malaysian smell… but it’s really lacking. The longing for Malaysia is growing.
I don’t know, maybe that’s why my performance was lackluster, having to be dragged into rubber games against Sai Praneeth and Takuma Ueda in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Overeat maggie and ping pong biscuits I think. Maybe another story if there are badminton brand biscuits.
The night before the final. I don’t know what to eat. Ever try KFC and McDonald’s but swear guys, KFC and McDonalds in Malaysia are still the best! Already down dah… tomorrow I want to fight Ng Ka Long.
Ring… ring… ring
My old friend, Naufal call. I used to play basketball together, lost contact for a long time, apparently in Calgary. He invited me to dinner after the tournament. I said “Why tomorrow ?! Tonight la bro”.
Then I uber to his house. (Canada does not use Grab)
Naufal prepares nasi lemak rendang ayam. His wife cooks goat curry. Our friend Terry bin Maldini, a Melanau Sarawak is also in Calgary. Terry brings a wet Prai style charkueyteow, and 100PLUS Malaysia! Surprised I. At Lucky Market can buy he said.
Oh my god. Best giler! My stomachs expload screamed in delight.
The rest was history. Ng Ka Long no match in the final
Dear friends,
There is no other country that has good food.
There is no other country that have Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan-Dusun and Melanaus that calling each other bro, abang, adik, ah ne, boss.
There is no other country that is more luxurious in terms of tradition and customs.
No other country can win the Thomas Cup with multiple races.Don’t say not love Malaysia.
Don’t just know how to criticize.
Try your best, fix what is broken, and improve what is already in the country.There is still hope for this Country we all love. It’s our Malaysia, our home after all.
Do not forget.
We’ve all been there for a while.
Pledge at school assemblies.
Will focus all our energy and efforts…
For…Our country… Our Malaysia…
Happy 64th Merdeka Day”
Sources: Lee Chong Wei