MERDEKA CHEER
TENS of thousands of citizens take part in celebrations across the country to commemorate 60 years of independence.
MORE than 50,000 Malaysians from all walks of life thronged Dataran Merdeka here yesterday morning in a colourful celebration of unity and patriotism to mark the country’s 60th year of independence.
Despite the sweltering heat, Malaysians rose early and came out in full force to stand side-byside at the square, which was transformed into “Stadium Merdeka”, where Independence was declared on Aug 31, 1957.
As early as 7am, people stationed themselves close to the marching ground as an entourage of armoured cars and royal guards escorted Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V to officiate the Merdeka Day parade at 8am.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, arrived at 7.45am in matching yellow khaki uniforms.
The parade was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, among others.
The crowd witnessed the hoisting of the national flag by officers from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), followed by the singing of
Negaraku and a 14-gun salute representing the states in the country by the Royal Artillery Regiment.
This was followed by the oathtaking ceremony, and ended with the crowd shouting “Merdeka” led by Najib.
Spectators were taken back in time when the nation’s 60-year history was presented, right from pre-independence days. The showcase was aided by a 200mwide, 9m-long giant LED screen with the help of 2,000 student volunteers on the graphic terrace. In line with this year’s theme
Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa (My Country, One Heart, One Soul) performers re-enacted Malaysia’s journey and development under six prime ministers, showing how the country had progressed in the past 60 years.
The celebration saw the appearance of two RMN retirees tasked with raising the national flag for the first time, Lieutenant Commander (Rtd) Mohd Sharif Kalam and Warrant Officer 1 Commander (Rtd) Oliver Culvelt Samuel (pic on page 15).
Another special guest was Rusnah Aksah, 66, who released 101 pigeons on Sept 16, 1963, in conjunction with the formation of Malaysia. Rusnah was 12 at the time she released the birds at Merdeka Stadium. This time, Rusnah released 60 pigeons, symbolising 60 years of independence.
The national contingent to the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, led by the official mascot, Rimau, and cycling superstar “Pocket Rocketman” Azizulhasni Awang also made an appearance.
A giant 20x40m Jalur Gemilang was brought to the parade by the National Service Training Department and the National Service Volunteer Brigade, led by Mohd Yunus Abd Rahmat.
The crowd was also treated to an air show by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which featured Hawk aircraft, F/A 18Ds and Sukhoi SU 30 MKM jet fighters.
The parade came to a close with the singing of Negaraku.
The crowd chanted “Daulat Tuanku” three times as Sultan Muhammad V made his way down from the grandstand about 10.45am to leave the event.
Soon after, the 400-strong marching band played the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad’s hit song, Tanggal 31. The crowd sang along to the tune, proudly waving their Jalur Gemilang. Page 1 pic: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak shouting out ‘Merdeka’ seven times at the National Day celebration.