Oh Malaysia

On this occasion of Malaysia Day today, here is Anneke Gronloh performing Oh Malaysia.

Thanks to blog reader Suku who sent in the clip with this message:
I am attaching a beautiful song which is most apt in conjunction with Malaysia Day. The paradox and irony about this song is that it was sung by a non-Malaysian, Aneke Gronloh, in 1963 the year Malaysia was formed resulting in the Confrontation period. Aneke is Indonesian by birth but migrated to Holland.

From Youtube

ANNEKE GRONLOH had a big Dutch hit record in “Brandend Zand” in 1962. To build on the popularity of her “Asmara” and “Bengawan Solo” in South East Asia in the early 60′s, Anneke took the same musical arrangement and recorded “Oh Malaya.” 1963 saw the creation of a new country called Malaysia, made up of formerly British-governed Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah. “Oh Malaya” was quickly changed to “Oh Malaysia,” and this song helped to foster the new and growing national pride of the new Malaysians. (This video was taken in 2000.)

On the shore beyond the tropical sea
You will stand to welcome me
On the shore beneath the sky so blue
All my dreams at last will come true

Oh Malaysia, land of glory
Where I found my heart’s true love
In a night so warm and tender
With the moon and stars above

- anilnetto