HE didn't bargain for this, but he isn't complaining. It's 6pm. Nanda, the evening's MC, takes time out from his many errands to play with two-year-old Joy. This namesake is no coincidence - earlier, the chairs had been wiped clean of dust, the grounds swept, the entire house mopped, sound system checked. Chores done together with fun and laughter. It is about joy, isn't it?

September 16. Hari Malaysia. The day also marks Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia's first year as we do our bit in sharing with our fellow citizens that there is such a thing as participation in democracy. It had been a year with meaning. We mark the evening with a gathering at the Rumah Anak Bangsa Malaysia.

It's 6.30 pm and our first guests begin to filter in. We meet again many old friends, gems whom we've known even before SABM was born.

And the many new ones we met along this wonderful journey of roadshows, forums, film screenings, voter education and registration exercises, and many more.

It has been in this journey where we are reminded that dialogue is an intoxicating two-way expression of views, thoughts, and insights. And from this bed of dialogue comes action.

Waktu Maghrib. The Rumah is filled; we are encouraged. Nanda kicks off the evening with a simple opening and a video recapping the journey so far.

Bangkit the Album is launched. SV Singam, who helmed a group of volunteers with Chee Seng in shaping this project to awaken the "Voices of Malaysian Youth", proudly waves a freshly-burned Bangkit CD to the guests.

It's one thing to listen to a CD, another to watch a song done live. And what's an event without music anyway? Bangkit contributor Amirah Ali, who's been creating waves since she released Katakanlah on YouTube, renders the song live and mesmerises everyone with her vocal range. This girl's for real.

Another Bangkit participant, gig regulars Paid In Fiction, string together a medley of three songs from Pink Floyd to the Beatles.

Rakyat Voices - a time for sharing perspectives. Here young minds dominate. Karl tells us his history and his involvement towards forging a better Malaysia.

Justine Tan, who authored the SABM invitation to Hari Malaysia, emphasises the message on her T-shirt and the need for student power.

Azira Aziz, who is now chambering in a law firm, talks about the need to stand.

With such articulate voices from the nation's youths, one can't help but feel good vibes for the country. This home can turn around.

There is further animated sharing after the main speakers. The floor mike floats from one guest to another as each contribute his or her thoughts on how to make this a better place. You feel an intention towards the good. You hope to see subsequent action.

Right action. Can't get enough of it. And as the night's event closes, the flushing waves of this fellowship continue to linger. We need this solidarity, need to actualise this call to action for you, for me, for the Rakyat.

And especially for the generation who will inherit what we sow today.

At Hari Malaysia 2010, a year's journey is shared. A year of a people's movement. We also ink our continued commitment to the spirit. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia will march on. Let's.