Rich display of diversity
National Day parade wows the crowd, further cementing the unity of Malaysians.
DATARAN Merdeka was filled with Malaysian flags, colourful costumes and people of all ages to celebrate National Day.
As early as 6.15am, people started walking in to get seats at the grandstands for a better view of the parade.
The parade, themed “Malaysia Sehati Sejiwa” ( One Heart, One Soul), was made successful with 9,492 participants.
For the first time, the Armed Forces performed a series of mixed martial arts and silat.
Participant Zinudin Sohib, 36, from Pahang said the members were from various states.
“Our families can’t be here at the parade. But I am sure my wife and my family are in front of the TV now,” he said.
Having made his way from his hotel in Dang Wangi, Kuala Lumpur, Italian tourist Greg Schiavon, 46, said he was thrilled to be part of the merriment.
“This is my fifth time in Malaysia, but it is the first National Day parade I have seen outside my country.
“The people here have such great personalities and there are so many colourful bands.
“My favourite part was the horse riders.
“That was really grand,” he said, while clicking his camera at the crowd of flag wavers.
Businessman Jeyabalan Letchumanan, 42, held on tightly to his son Avinesh and nephew Shagilan, both eight, as the crowd swayed forward and backwards to catch a glimpse of the parade.
“I come to the parade every year, for seven years now. The boys and I woke up early and got here by 6.30am.”
Before squeezing in for a selfie, a beaming Avinesh said, “I really like all the jets!”
The celebration came to an end with various cultural dances taking centre stage.
This article first appeared in StarMetro on Sept 1, 2015.