Celebrating 54 years of unity
FIREWORKS and confetti filled the air as Malaysia marked its 54th anniversary in a grand celebration at the Likas Sports Complex here on Saturday.
More than 60,000 people came from near and far to celebrate the birth of Malaysia at the three-day fun-filled carnival at the complex’s parking space.
Colourful stage lighting and thousands of performers waving Jalur Gemilang with pride to the beat of ‘Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa’ and ‘Aku Negaraku’ songs flaunted the high spirits of Malaysia Day, bringing patriotic energy to the festivity.
After the arrival of Sabah Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M. Jasni, the celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony and the playing of the national anthem, Negaraku, and the state anthem,
Sabah Tanah Airku, by the police band.
This was followed by a welcome performance based on the concept of ethnic diversity in Malaysia.
Present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman and Sarawak Speaker Datuk Amar Mohammad Asfia Awang Nasar.
Also in attendance were Communications and Multimedia Minister and Malaysia Day celebration main committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak; Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun who co-chaired the committee with Salleh; and the official representatives of Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Argentina and other countries.
In a special performance called 'Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa', performers of different ages brought in five segments of outstanding shows dubbed Shine Bright, Colours of Malaysia, Satu Suara, Talent, and Finale.
Synonymous with the unity among Malaysians of various backgrounds, the theme reflects the country’s solidarity that empowers the national integration agenda.
Representing Malaysia’s rich and beautiful cultures, the dynamic and colourful performances mesmerised the audience.
The contemporary performances specially coordinated by the Sabah Cultural Board and State's National Arts and Culture Department emphasised a variety of dances and songs that represent Malaysia’s colourful and unique cultures.
It portrayed the spirit of togetherness, unity, and harmony of our multi-ethnic and multi-religious country.
A video presentation displaying the country’s great achievements under the leadership of the current prime minister was later presented to the audience.
Earlier, Najib delivered a special message to the people in a spirit of unity, giving assurance that the government will respect the rights of Sabah and Sarawak in the move to maintain harmony.
Najib also told the audience that Malaysia, over the past 54 years, had transformed into a successful and sovereign nation recognised by world leaders.
Witnessed by dignitaries and the rest of the audience, Najib and Musa signed the 2017 Hari Malaysia Day Special Book on stage. This was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony by Juhar. Towards the end of the event, Salleh presented a souvenir to the Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, while Musa presented a memento to Najib.
The Malaysia Day carnival, which started on Sept 15 and ended yesterday, featured mini concerts by celebrities. It attracted people of all walks of life to the sports complex despite the rain.
Fifty-two exhibition booths were set up by 41 agencies and 10 mobile services were provided throughout the carnival to enliven the event.
In conjunction with Malaysia Day celebration, Salleh, in his blog post, called on the people to close ranks and embrace unity.
“As citizens, we are proud of what our country has achieved… our country rapidly developed and we are now more stable politically.
“We are no longer a local or regional political player. Politically, we have stepped into a bigger role in the world,” he said.
Salleh mentioned good leadership, healthy federalism in politics and a close people-to-people relationship as the key factors in the success of Malaysia despite our diverse ethnicities and being separated by the South China Sea.
The fact that Malaysia was capable of maintaining political stability and security as well as its sovereignty was a shining example of the success of the nation, he added.
“Today, we are a great nation because we can stand tall and be counted with developed countries. Congratulations, Malaysia.”