Joyful parades across the nation
Merdeka cheer resounded around the country as Malaysians celebrated 60 years of independence yesterday with parades anchored on the theme Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa (My Country, One Heart, One Soul).
Thousands congregated at various celebration venues in state capitals, which were awash with colours of the national flag, to witness the National Day marches.
In Ipoh, more than 10,000 people gathered at the field near Ipoh City Hall as early as 7am to join the state-level parade, which was graced by sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Sultan Nazrin officiated the parade by inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the Royal Engineers Regiment.
The event began with a Quran recital and prayer, before a choir and band performance by 105 students of SMK Poi Lam, SMK Sam Tet and SMK Convent of the songs Nyalakan Tekad, Sehati Sejiwa and Jalur Gemilang.
The colourful celebration continued with 5,213 participants representing 107 contingents from government departments and agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and uniformed bodies marching in the Merdeka parade.
In Kangar , the state-level Merdeka celebration held on Wednesday night differed from previous years’ festivities.
Two female elephants, Pyan and Rambai, charmed the crowd when they delivered a scroll to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man, which was then presented to Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.
The pachyderms were from the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, which was one of 75 contingents participating in the Merdeka parade.
In Kuantan, the National Day parade held at Jalan Mahkota here drew a crowd of 10,000.
The event was graced by Regent of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
The highlight of the day was the skydiving performance by 10 members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Special Air Service, who carried the Jalur Gemilang.
This was followed by a parade featuring 89 contingents from government departments, the private sector, NGOs as well as primary and secondary schools throughout Kuantan.
In Kota Baru, more than 1,000 people gathered at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s medical campus in Kubang Kerian to celebrate Merdeka Day.
They were entertained by silat performances, as well as poetry recitals by state government
agencies and department personnel.
The highlight of the event was the parading of a giant Jalur Gemilang by police cadets.
Present were Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob and his deputy, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.
In George Town, Penangites thronged the Esplanade to catch the march past comprising 5,700 participants.
The festivities began with the hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang and the singing of the national anthem. Performers thrilled the crowd with two patriotic songs, Sehati Sejiwa and Tanggal 31.
This was followed by multicultural performances by Naveena Arts Creation, the ST Dance Assembly and the State Cultural Council, which wowed the audience with their spirited and energetic displays.
In Seremban, 15,000 Negri Sembilan folk as well as state leaders celebrated the state-level 60th National Day with pomp and splendour.
A total of 110 contingents comprising public servants, uniformed bodies, school and university students, NGOs as well as the private sector marched past the Seremban City Council building to commemorate the country’s independence.