"Welcome back, Ameria"

He cried as he watched Obama's victory speech in Grant Park. That's how much America has meant to him.

In an open letter to the people of America, Huzir Sulaiman paid a glowing tribute to her people:

When a lanky unknown named Barack Obama galvanised the 2004 Democratic National Convention with his keynote address, we listened closely to what he claimed to be the true genius of America, “an insistence on small miracles”:

• That we can tuck in our children at night and know that they are fed and clothed and safe from harm

• That we can say what we think, write what we think, without hearing a sudden knock on the door

• That we can have an idea and start our own business without paying a bribe

• That we can participate in the political process without fear of retribution, and that our votes will be counted, at least most of the time.

Once again, we are ready to say that we love you, America, for all that you have meant to us in the past, and for all that you can be to the world in the future.

Treat us with respect. Live up to your own ideals. Value the dignity of our lives as much as you value those of your own citizens. Walk tall, but let us walk with you.

Thank you for coming back, America. We’ve missed you.