3,000 celebrate National Day in Kudat
KUDAT: More than 3,000 people attended the district-level National Day celebration at the sports centre here on Saturday.
The morning event started with a 32-contingent parade involving a total of 960 participants from state and federal government departments, schools, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and uniformed bodies.
Kudat MP Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri officiated at the ceremony which was attended by District Officer Sapdin Ibrahim and district police chief Superintendent Douglas Nyeging Taong.
In his speech, Rahim said the setting up of ‘Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa’ as the theme of the National Day celebration this year was to show the importance of mutual understanding and unity for a bright, stable and peaceful future.
He said the government intended to remind Malaysians that it was not easy to achieve independence as well as to ensure that the spirit of peace would continue to be achieved for the nation’s prosperity.
“Independence is a great blessing to teach the people to stand on their own feet,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Sapdin said the celebration was to instil the spirit of love for the country and defend the independence championed by the previous leaders, and to empower public awareness on the meaning of independence and to preserve the harmony inherent in this country.
“I am confident that the presence of the district police headquarters here headed by district police chief Superintendent Douglas Nyeging Taong will certainly enhance the cooperation between government agencies in the district,” said Sapdin.
The parade competition for the school category were won by SMK Abdul Rahim in first place, followed by SRK St James in second place and Giatmara Center in third place.
In the non governmental organizations (NGOs) and village categories, the first place went to Perkep Kudat police headquarters while the second and third places were won by Wanita Umno and Kampung Parapat Laut, respectively.
JPAM emerged as champion in the uniform category followed by SMK Lok Yuk in second place and third place was won by Rela.
The government department category was won by the Health Department, while the second and third places were won by the Public Works Department and the Native Court, respectively.
All the prizes to the winners were presented by Rahim.