Mariam Shafi, Australia
My Malaysia, this beautiful country is and always will be the land where respect, generosity and tolerance prevail . we smile, we give and we respect. We are Malaysia.

Ananda Ee, Medan, Indonesia
Saya Anak Malaysia. Malaysia is my motherland. I love Malaysia! Malaysia, Negaraku. Happy National Day!

Bob Moo, New Zealand
Wishing all Malaysians including the Prime Minister and his staff a very happy and auspicious National Day! Congratulations and may Malaysia continue to be prosperous, harmonious and dynamic. I would like to take this opportutinity to also remember our leaders from the past to the present, the fair and hardworking people who made a lot of sacrifices for Malaysia to become an example of a progressive and fair nation to the rest of the world. Malaysia Boleh! Congratulations! Bless you all!

Ibrahim Haji Ahmad, Dubai, UAE
The very best of everything to you, Malaysia, and to all Malaysians anywhere in the world!

Lina and Simon Leyden, United Kingdom
Happy National Day to all harmonious Malaysian people!

Cheryl Lock, Sydney, Australia
To quote John F. Kennedy, Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.

Paul Monash, Auckland, New Zealand
We live in the beautiful country of New Zealand - the air is so clean, the rivers so clean and the landscapes breathtaking, but the people are not so warm and welcoming as Malaysians to people of other religion and race. That kills it all and makes Malaysia so beautiful, even with all its shortcomings. Malaysia Boleh! We had a pleasant experience in accommodation and style in celebration. Me and my friends who have been here for the last five years miss our Hari Kebangsaan, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations. Malaysia is truly a blessed country.

Susan Goto-Yong, Japan
It is such a blessing as I now realise the advantages we had growing up in a peaceful multicultural country, that give us the opportunity to learn and practise each other's beliefs, languages and lifestyles. In the process, it creates a level of openness that most of us, if not everyone, are able to accept and respect each other, just as we are.

Noor Rahana Haji Nawi, Kedah
Happy National Day to my parents, Haji Nawi and Hajah Wook in Terengganu, My brothers and sisters (also in-laws); wish you all the best in life.

Aida Zaki, Adelaide, Australia
Happy 48th Birthday Malaysia! I am truly proud being Malaysian, it is my home and it is where I always belong!

Azahar Idrus, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Happy birthday Malaysia, we miss you.

Lily Chai, Gold Coast, Australia
We pray for peace and harmony for all Malaysians on its National Day. May they all be one nation under God, and enjoy the favours it brings.

Angela & Jerry, Holland
Hi Malaysians! Happy Merdeka!

Sharan Sandhu, Canada
I would like to wish every Malaysian "Selamat Hari Merdeka". Hope everyone will stay united. Take care.

Mohd Wazir Mohd Radzi, Perak
I wish all Malaysians a Happy National Day.

Charlene Wee and Jessica Ngee, Hong Kong
We miss home!!! And we love you Malaysia!

JC Sam, Singapore
To my dearest country Malaysia, Happy 48th Birthday! I am proud to be a Malaysian and I love you always.

Benny Rajah, Sudan
Wishing all Malaysians Selamat Merdeka and continuing peace. Malaysia Boleh!

Jonathan CH Tan, Sweden
Greetings from Sweden to all citizens of Malaysia this Merdeka celebrations! And a special tribute to all those heroes who died fighting for freedom.

Naka Fong Loo Loo, Japan
Selamat Hari Kebangsaan!

Jeremiah Naidu, Melbourne, Australia
Merdeka is a day to rejoice. Looking forward to my next visit to KL.

Allan Ong, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Malaysia a very happy and prosperous Merdeka day. We, part of the Malaysian global community working abroad, takes pride in Malaysia's achievements, and in unity, we will bring her to a higher plane of accomplishment. Malaysia Boleh!

Lim Poo Hooi, Gaoming, China
Happy birthday, Malaysia!

George Devan, California, USA
Although you still see my usual monthly greetings, I would still like to wish all of you a very happy Merdeka Day.

Vickneswaran, Queensland, Australia
I would like to say congratulations on Malaysia's 48th Independence Day celebrations at the end of this month.

Sivakumar Iyasamy, Tijuana, Mexico
Even though I'm far away from our country, I am always proud to be a Malaysian, especially when my foreign friends ask about our multiracial culture, and the effort taken by the Government to achieve Vision 2020.

Joyce Tan, Holland
I love Malaysia and Malaysia Boleh!

Irene Teo, London, England
I left Malaysia for England nearly seven years ago. Initially I was here to pursue my A-levels, then I made my way to university, and finally, work. Still, I miss Malaysia, miss my family and friends, and of course, authentic Malaysian food! Just a short note to wish Malaysia a happy 48th birthday, and no matter where I am, my heart is always with you!

A. Gani & Siti Aishah, Oman
Wishing all Malaysians on this special day, a day of thanksgiving for all the efforts and achievements since independence. Malaysia Boleh!

John, Solomon Islands
Each year, Aug 31 is the day when Malaysians abroad pay tribute to our beloved Malaysia. Happy birthday, Malaysia.

Pauline Chew
Merdeka! Saya dan sekeluarga mengucapkan ribuan tahniah keatas pengerusi yang menganjur dan merayakan perayaan hari kemerdekaan Malaysia pada tahun ini. Semoga negara Malaysia sentiasa maju dan akan menjadi lebih terkenal di dunia dengan pimpinan Perdana Menteri kita, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi! Dengan pimpinan yang cemerlang, ikhlas, jujur, rajin, Malaysia akan lebih maju dan mencapai takat keistimewaan dan keagungan dalam abad ini.

Lawrence, Australia
I would like to wish all mates in Malaysia "Hari Merdeka" and remember the day of celebrating the nation's freedom on Aug 31. Congratulations!

Dass, Kabul, Afghanistan
Malaysia is my homeland, and it is a wonderful place with a multiracial society and an understanding Prime Minister. Maju Malaysia, keep up the good work, Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka.

Subramaniam Rengasamy, Sudan
Happy National Day to Viji, Shan and Ramesh from Taiping and to all Malaysians around the world.

Debbie Ten, Chicago, USA
Wish I could be there to celebrate Hari Kebangsaan. Still remember when I performed at the Dataran Merdeka back in 1995. Time flies and definitely do miss home lots! Have fun!

KC Gan, Batam, Indonesia
It is with great pride and pleasure that I wish my fellow Malaysian, wherever they are around the world, "Selamat Hari Kebangsaan". It has been 48 years since we achieved our independence and we have been progressing steadily over the years. I am one of those lucky ones to be born after Independence. Our rich soil and environment have provided us with plenty of wealth and opportunities. I urge the youth of today to look back at history and use it to further enhance our achievements as you are our hope and the leaders of tomorrow. Even though I have been away for years, I'm still proud of the achievements of my country in whatever field she ventures in. Syabas and Malaysia Boleh.

JK Balasubramaniam, Papua New Guinea
I work and live in Papua New Guinea. The investments that Malaysian companies have undertaken in PNG are certainly indicative of the Malaysia Boleh spirit. Merdeka!

Tang Loon Kong, Shanghai, China
I still remember vividly that during my secondary school days, I participated in the Starwalk with my father and twin brother. My, that was almost 25 years ago. I left Penang when I was 19, studied and worked outside Malaysia. Nevertheless, I am still 101% Malaysian. I seldom missed the annual event because it was like a fiesta, which was usually held at Padang Kota Lama (Fort Cornwallis). Of course there was the free goodies bag, all just for RM10 registration fee. Not bad! I always longed to come back to Penang, but sometimes economic reality overcomes the sentimental attachment. One day I know I shall. In the meantime, I shall try to spread the goodness of the Malaysian spirit in Shanghai, where I am working. All the events in the world make me realise how lucky I was to be born in a multiracial society that is tolerant and patient with our many differences. My best wishes to all for this Merdeka Day.

Eng Wah, Chiangmai, Thailand
I would like to wish my beloved country a very happy birthday. May you continue on with the peaceful journey so that all residents of Malaysia will be able to continue to live happily in a harmonious and healthy environment. We are proud to be a model to the whole world with our tolerance, patience and respect for one another. Good job, Malaysians, keep it up!

Neoh Chin Hin, Bangkok, Thailand
Happy Merdeka Day to my lovely country and all Malaysians at home, and of course to The Star Online which makes me feel at home all the time! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!