PUTRAJAYA: The 62nd National Day celebration kicked off here this morning with much colour, music and energy.
The events began with the singing of the national anthem and followed by a dynamic multicultural musical performance.
The energetic musical and dance routine portrayed the peace and unity that Malaysians have enjoyed for a long time.
The segment certainly caught the attention of the dignitaries present. On the main stage, many were seen tapping their feet to the tunes.
A ‘Human Graphic’ presentation was definitely another crowd puller at this morning's celebration. A first of its kind attempt at the National Day celebration, the ‘Human Graphic’ presentation comprised 2,250 students from 53 schools in Negri Sembilan.
They did an excellent job in the formations that included logos, flag, and also slogans.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah were also having a ball of a time watching the Independence Day parade.
The royal couple were seen getting up from their seats several times while enjoying the show. It was a fun filled atmosphere as the royal couple waved on and encouraged the parade participants.
They also smiled and cheered when they saw some familiar faces in the march past.
The parade consisted of participants from various government departments, agencies, institutions and associations. Most of the agencies displayed some of their latest assets and equipment.
Among the participating bodies were police, Immigration Department, Fire and Rescue Department, St John Ambulance, Girl Guides, Armed Forces, Civil Defence, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
This year's celebration was themed Sayangi Malaysiaku, Malaysia Bersih (Love Our Malaysia, A Clean Malaysia).
This was the second consecutive year that the celebration was held here following the change of government that took place in May last year.
Earlier, the royal couple, joined by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, cabinet ministers and guests, sang ‘Negaraku’ together.
Some 300,000 crowd turned up to witness yet another year to mark National Day as the country celebrates 62 years of harmony and unity in a multiracial and multicultural country that is Malaysia.