For motherland
> Joyous people observe historic day
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians from all walks of life celebrated National Day 2017 yesterday around the country in an overwhelming expression of love for their motherland and solidarity, reminiscent of their forefathers’ patriotism and unity at the time the nation gained independence.
Adults and children alike thronged the venues of the celebration in the federal and state capitals and other cities to watch a colourful display of culture and dance, marching bands and uniformed personnel, and precision performance by police and military personnel and assets, among others.
In JOHOR BARU, 129 contingents comprising 4,500 people in various kinds of attire in the Jalur Gemilang theme marched 2km from Padang Ekstrem Pasir Gudang to the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Indoor Stadium.
Spectators were also thrilled by a parade of vintage cars, including the Morris 8 from the Johor Vintage Car and Classic Bike Enthusiasts Club, and assets of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Fire and Rescue Department and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
A history of Malaysian independence was portrayed on a large screen at the indoor stadium.
In IPOH, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, and the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, attended the celebration at Dataran Bandaran Ipoh. About 10,000 people watched the performance put up by 107 contingents comprising 5,213 people, among them 105 members of a choir made up of schoolchildren.
In ALOR STAR, 95 contingents comprising over 2,000 people took part in the celebration at Dataran Wisma Darul Aman before the Raja Muda of Kedah, Tan Sri Tunku Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, and the Raja Puan Muda of Kedah, Puan Sri Tengku Maliha Tengku Ariff.
In MALACCA, 9,680 people in 193 contingents took part in the parade and procession at the Declaration of Independence Memorial in Bandar Hilir, which had the theme “Era of Independence 1957”. Some spectators were seen dressed in attire of the 50s.
In SEREMBAN, an estimated 20,000 people participated in the celebration at the Seremban Municipal Council field.
A total of 110 contingents comprising 13,000 people, among them security forces personnel and government servants, took part in the parade.
In KOTA BARU, a performance by a group of 21 “warriors” impressed spectators at the celebration in Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian.
The group was headed by Panglima Singa Malaya, Mohd Amru Rosli, 34, of the Kelantan Association of Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia.