PUTRAJAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah arrived in a white Bentley to grace the National Day 2023 celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya.
Their Majesties' arrival at 8am on Thursday (Aug 31) was met with cheers from thousands of visitors, who began filling up the grandstands since last night.
The Agong was seen wearing an army uniform, while Her Majesty donned a stunning royal blue baju kurung.
In every direction, a sea of Jalur Gemilang flags waved in the air by eager Malaysians signified their enthusiasm to join the National Day celebrations, marking the first occurrence here since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, arrived at 7.45am.
Also in attendance are Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid and Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof.
The national anthem "Negaraku" was sung at 8.01 am, marking the start of the day's line-up of exciting activities and shows.
This year marks Malaysia's 66th celebration of National Day, guided by the theme "Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan" (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope).
The National Day event will embody the Malaysia Madani concept proposed by Anwar, manifesting through dance and singing performances, as well as acrobatic feats by the security forces and parade participants.
A special 30-minute Malaysia Madani performance will serve as the curtain-raiser for this year's celebration, aiming to attract 100,000 visitors.
The performance will commence after the hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang flag and the recitation of the Rukun Negara.