KUALA LUMPUR: Singer-songwriter, entertainer, vocal coach, and entrepreneur Vince Chong, 42, is proud to be a Malaysian.
So much so that together with his wife, Fiona Edward, 40, they not only hoist and fly the Jalur Gemilang on Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day, but every day of the year.
"I have the Jalur Gemilang up in my office, my studio and my home for 365 days a year. I do not just fly the Jalur Gemilang on Merdeka or Malaysia Day. Where we are concerned, the national flag is always up and will stay up.
"It is something subtle that goes a long way. Being parents of two young and impressionable children, my wife Fiona and I always try to set the best possible example for them to follow.
"Patriotism and love for the country are among them," said Chong, who is of Malaysian-English parentage.
On this long Malaysia Day weekend, Chong said he would spend quality time with his wife and their two children Eva Heidi Chong, 7, and Tyler James Chong, 4, at home.
"And, we will be doing a very Malaysian thing that we are very happy to indulge in, which is to enjoy a good meal together as a family.
"When I say enjoying a good meal, I mean a really good banana leaf meal, which can be enjoyed just about anywhere and this is one of the many good things about our beloved country.
"This is something that we have been doing for so long during Malaysia Day, and we just love it and are grateful that we are able to do so," said Chong.
Chong also shared that his family was a truly 'Rojak' Malaysian family.
"My Sabahan wife and I come from two very different places, backgrounds and way of life and we absolutely love it.
"It just goes to show how culturally rich, unique and diverse yet peaceful and harmonious our beloved country really is.
"At home, we do not just speak in English to the children, but we also speak in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Sabah as well, as this is their heritage, their identity and very much part of who they are, who we are as proud Malaysians, and it's always better to be multilingual anyway," he said.
As a family, Chong said they celebrated all festivities including Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Vaisakhi, Christmas, or Kaamatan.
"If it is a Malaysian festivity and public holiday, then we'll celebrate it with our family, friends, neighbours and fellow Malaysians, as it's the Malaysian way and thing to do.
"To be a true Malaysian, regardless of the adversities, issues or problems faced, we must always be thankful and grateful for what we have and enjoy, as despite how bad it may seem sometimes, always remember that there are others out there who are faring much worse.
"On behalf of my family and I, we would like to wish all fellow Malaysians Selamat Hari Malaysia."