COMMENT | Independence Day is fast approaching and the authorities are preparing for celebrations that will be punctuated by marches, flag-waving crowds, and speeches by dignitaries.

No doubt about it, attaining self-rule on Aug 31, 1957, was a great step forward for Malaya. A significant event. But, are we able to exercise that right to self-rule?

We now live under the tyranny of the richest 500 corporations of the world and the 5,000 or so billionaires who own them.

We put off programmes that will benefit the ordinary people of our country - like a better wage - because we are afraid that will lead the global chains to invest in Thailand or Vietnam instead of us.