‘National Day 2017: 1957 independence celebration to be re-enacted’
PUTRAJAYA: This year’s National Day celebration will feature a twist with the re-enacting of the independence celebration atmosphere of 1957 at the Dataran Merdeka, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.
Salleh, who is the chairman of the National Day and Malaysia Day 2017 Celebration Main Committee, said it is part of the itinerary for the National Day 2017 parade at the Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 31.
“As the world is rushing to move forward to attain progress, we sometimes forget the fundamentals of past leaders who struggled to free our country from the colonists. Our children might be unaware of this.
“Hence, we want to raise awareness to Malaysians that independence is not an easy feat to achieve. It is vital that Malaysians feel indebted to the sacrifices of past leaders who fought for the country’s independence.
“We have to sacrifice for the country despite differences in political views and approaches, but in the matter of the nation, we must unite so that Malaysia continues to achieve success and progress,” he told a media conference after chairing the National Day and Malaysia Day Celebrations Main Committee meeting at the KKMM Complex here yesterday.
Also present was KKMM secretary- general cum National Day and Malaysia Day 2017 Celebrations Working Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad.
‘ Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa’ was chosen as the theme of this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day 2017, which would be held in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 16, said Salleh.
He said, in conjunction with this year’s parade, a giant LED screen measuring 200 metres long by nine metres high would be placed at the Dataran Merdeka featuring a combination of performances on the field, air and video as well as multimedia to give a more interesting story telling effect on the spectators.
Twelve major events will be held in conjunction with the National Day and Malaysia Day 2017 celebrations.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would deliver his Merdeka address at 4pm in Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 30 and to be followed by the eve of Merdeka celebration at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama