Anthems

The local government has recently mentioned that all new applicants for citizenship would have to go through a basic course which I think covers a little bit of history, some language skills and to learn the national pledge and anthem. That's actually not much to ask, but I'm sure there will be some groaning. Although, there are some nationals, who've lived here all their lives, who don't know the meaning behind the anthem, only because it's in its national language which happens to be Malay.

For those who grew up attending school here, it wouldn't be all that difficult to remember the pledge or the national anthem. You almost sing it everyday during assembly, if not once a week. Yes, you sometimes mumble through it, but you roughly remember the words... even if it's all at the back of your mind.

I remember growing up in Malaysia, on top of the national anthem and pledge, we had to memorise the state anthem plus the school pledge. The national anthem was sung more often than the national pledge was said. As such, I don't even remember the national pledge.

Anyways, at one point in time, we had to relearn the state anthem as we were making up words or mispronouncing them. It was hilarious.

For all you Selangor folks, here is the state anthem:
Duli Yang Maha Mulia
Selamat di atas takhta
Allah lanjutkan usia Tuanku
Rakyat mohon restu bawah Duli Tuanku
Bahagia selama-lamanya
Aman dan sentosa
Duli Yang Maha Mulia