Joyous Malaysia Day
A 50,000- strong crowd joined in the celebration in Kota Kinabalu. ABOUT 50,000 people attended a joyous and colourful Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu, on Sept 16 with the spirit of patriotism highly evident.
The multiracial crowd started to throng the field at 5pm and they were entertained with a pre- event programme, featuring local artistes and a choir group from the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.
This was backed by the Sabah Broadcasting Department’s combo, while waiting for the arrival of the VIP guests.
Those who came early, some with small children in tow, were in a highly cheerful mood as they waved the Jalur Gemilang, especially when the patriotic songs were belted out.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, together with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and his wife Datin Seri Faridah Tussin arrived at Padang Merdeka a little after 8pm.
Also present were Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Salleh Tun Said Keruak, Sarawak state assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar who represented Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Sabah Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin, Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah, as well as several federal and state ministers.
The event started at 8.19pm upon the arrival of Sabah Yang Di- Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem Negaraku and the state anthem Sabah Tanah Airku, as well as a multi- ethnic dance performance.
Then a minute of silence was observed in commemorating Malaysia Day before Musa and the Prime Minister gave their speeches. This was followed by the signing of the Commemorative Book by Najib, Musa and Mohamad Asfia, and watched by Juhar.
Then came the cutting of the Malaysia Day cake by Juhar and Najib. The cake had been brought in by 16 children who were born on Sept 16.
Sabah Information director Datuk Almain Ajirul then handed the Jalur Gemilang to the Prime Minister before it was hoisted by the Royal Malaysian Navy officers.
The night’s programme continued with a cultural song and dance performance by 1,000 schoolchildren.
This show comprised five segments, namely the history of the formation of Malaysia, multi- ethnic unity, current living, Y- generation and performance by invited artistes, who included Dayang Nurfaizah, Ella, Stacy, Adira and Firman.
The four- hour programme ended with a five- minute firework display that delighted the crowd.
This year, the country once again commemorated the historic joining of Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya into the federation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963. — Bernama