KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIANS demonstrated their unwavering patriotism and loyalty as the nation came together to celebrate the country’s 57th Merdeka Day yesterday.
The turnouts were huge, with Dataran Merdeka here attracting more than 100,000 people, who turned up in droves to witness the National Day parade.
It was a heart-warming show of unity by Malaysians on the back of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and the downing of MH17.
Responding to calls from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, for solidarity, Malaysians from diverse backgrounds converged at Dataran Merdeka from as early as 8am.
The annual parade went into full swing after Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah arrived. Led by Najib, they were welcomed by cabinet members and dignitaries.
Present was Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
The national anthem was played, accompanied by a 14-gun salute, symbolising the country’s 14 states, after which a minute of silence was observed for the nation’s fallen heroes.
Tuanku Abdul Halim inspected the guard of honour, comprising 107 officers and personnel from the first Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment from the Sungai Besi Camp, led by Major Ameiza Mohd Ashhari.
This year’s parade featured popular local cartoon characters, Upin and Ipin, as emcees to the delight of children who came with their parents.
The characters were broadcast on a large screen where their skits and songs were supported by human graphic formations.
Twenty-three contingents took part in the parade, with 2,280 choir members and 2,240 civil servants and students involved in field performances.
The parade ended with choir members and the public singing patriotic songs, such as Warisan and Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta.
In a Facebook posting yesterday, Najib reemphasised the three main points crucial to strengthening solidarity among Malaysians.
“In conjunction with Merdeka, I would like to stress on three points that are crucial to ensuring the continuation of our country as a strong nation.
“The first point is strengthening solidarity among Malaysians, including unity in grief and in facing challenges and tests.
“The second point is cultivating confidence that the nation can achieve any ambition as long as there is unity, and the third point is leaving behind a prosperous and peaceful Malaysia.”
Najib outlined these three points during his official Merdeka message delivered “live” on Saturday night.
The prime minister also thanked Malaysians who came and participated in the National Day celebrations and reminded them to not be complacent with the successes the nation had achieved.
Muhyiddin, in his Merdeka Day message, said the spirit of unity and solidarity were witnessed during the two recent tragedies affecting MAS.
“The tragic loss of MH370 in March and the downing of flight MH17 in July have united the people, regardless of race and religion, in getting through the difficult moments.
“This would not have happened if Malaysians are not patriotic and have a strong sense of identity, standing together when the country faced such terrible tragedies.”
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said he hoped this year’s Merdeka Day, celebrated on a moderate scale because of the tragedies, would lift patriotism among Malaysians.
“Although the celebrations are on a moderate scale, they are more meaningful because the love that we have for this nation, this country and our fellow countrymen is strong, including our love for those who have lost everything in the (MH370 and MH17) tragedies,” he said after the parade.
Present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri, Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In Penang, thousands gathered at the Esplanade to watch the Merdeka parade, which was held outside the Town Hall.
On hand to greet the procession was Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort, Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, state adminstrators and local and foreign dignitaries.
Children, clad in traditional costumes, entertained the spectators. Among the participants was the Penang Baba Nyonya Society’s 60-member contingent.
In Alor Star, Dataran Tunku was a riot of colours as various vehicles and government officers took part in the parade.
The Royal Malaysian Police and the armed forces also took part in the procession, marching proudly along with colourful vehicles decked with Malaysian flags. Lorries and vans from Environment Idaman, the Alor Star City Council, Syarikat Air Darul Aman, Pos Malaysia and other government departments also took part.
The overall winner was the contingent from Pos Malaysia, which received a trophy, a plaque and RM5,000.
In Ipoh, the celebrations started with the procession, graced by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and other members of the Perak royal household.
As soon as Sultan Nazrin and his consort, Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, arrived at the main stage in front of Dewan Bandaran at 8.15am, they were greeted by Perak state executive councillors, led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Sultan Nazrin then proceeded to inspect the guard of honour before the procession, led by the SMJK Nan Hwa marching band, began.
Some 5,000 people from 102 contingents participated in the procession.
In Kota Kinabalu, about 4,000 people took part in a parade, involving 130 contingents from state and federal departments, uniformed groups, non-governmental organisations and schools.
The ceremony was graced by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah Datuk R.M. Jasni.
Present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and his wife, Datin Seri Faridah Tussin, as well as other state cabinet ministers.
Musa urged Sabahans to continue working together with the Federal Government to ensure development in the state.
In Sipitang, thousands thronged Padang Pekan Sipitang to visit the last day of the Gata (Gasing and Tamu Besar) Festival and Merdeka Day celebrations. Children were seen waving the national flag and singing Merdeka songs.
In Malacca, Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob joined thousands to celebrate Merdeka Day at the Declaration of Independence Memorial in Banda Hilir.
Present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and state exco members, as well as state assemblymen.
Some 9,468 participants from 196 contingents took part in a colourful parade, which started at 9am after the field performances.
In Kulaijaya, about 10,000 people gathered to witness a colourful parade of 88 contingents from the public and private sectors as well as from non-governmental organisations and the country’s security and armed forces.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was on hand to receive the salute from the contingents.