PUTRAJAYA: Thousands thronged Dataran Putrajaya here to celebrate the 62nd National Day yesterday.
Many arrived as early as 6am to watch the Merdeka Day parade with their family members in tow, with a large number turning up in specially-tailored outfits and other decorative items to show their patriotism.
Kasim Ahmad, 76, came all the way from Padang Besar, Perlis.
“The parade and the Merdeka celebration show how far we have come as a nation. Despite our differences, we are united.
“I hope this will continue and I want my grandchildren and the next generation to live peacefully without any problems,” he told the New Sunday Times, adding that this was his second time attending the Merdeka Day parade.
Jess Fan, 37, who came with her 7-year-old son, said the parade reinforced her love for the country.
“I have been watching the parade every year on TV, but being here looking at the contingents, such as our military and participants representing all colours of Malaysia, I feel proud to be a Malaysian. The display of solidarity at the parade shows how much unity is important to our country.”
Fan, who came from Kuala Lumpur, said it was her first time watching a Merdeka parade.
“I want to show my son why we need to love this country and the importance of being united,” she said.
For teacher Mythile Vinggadayasan, 27, the celebration provided the perfect platform to display unity among Malaysians.
“I have been attending Merdeka Day parades since I was a child because my parents strongly believe that it is a good way to show support for our country’s achievements.
“Lately, Malaysians have been torn over several issues, but I see the Merdeka celebration as a reminder of our unique qualities that we can put aside our differences for the sake of our country,” she said.
Japanese visitor Yuki said the parade showed how much Malaysians loved their country.
“I have been living here for three years with my wife and two children, and this is my first time we are attending a Merdeka Day celebration. I love watching the military assets. They are impressive.”
Irish tourist Derek Stokes, 45, said he was lucky to come to Malaysia at this time of the year.
“I am lucky that I could watch such a vibrant celebration. Malaysia is a beautiful country, with friendly people from different races and religions. These qualities make the country so unique,” he said.
Having been to the country twice before, he said he always found something new about Malaysia during each visit.
In Kota Kinabalu, thousands of tourists and visitors waved the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flags as they watched the National Day parade in Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens yesterday.
The stretch of coastal road leading to major shopping malls and hotels was temporarily closed to hold the parade, which involved 172 contingents.
The colourful parade started at 7.40am after the arrival of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R.M. Jasni. Present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, his deputies Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, Datuk Jaujan Sembakong and Datuk Christina Liew, as well as state ministers.
In George Town, celebrations were held at various locations.
More than 6,500 people thronged the event at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka in Jalan Haji Ahmad Said, Butterworth.
They gathered as early as 6am to watch the parade made up of 113 contingents.
The march was attended by Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, his wife, Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillors.