PUTRAJAYA: National Day 2018 is driving home the message of patriotism and the importance of unity for the well-being of the nation as enthusiastic Malaysians thronged Putrajaya and millions more watched live broadcast of the celebration.
This year, it culminated with a parade in Putrajaya, featuring four similar components with the theme “Sayangi Malaysiaku” (Love My Malaysia), namely patriotism, public order, national security and unity of the people.
Upon the arrival of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at Dataran Putrajaya, the ceremony began with the singing of Negaraku, followed by the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge.
The Putrajaya air space was filled with the sounds of five helicopters comprising two EC 725 AP and a Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force, an Augusta 109 belonging to the Royal Malaysian Army, and a Super Lynx from the Royal Malaysian Navy as a guard of honour to Seri Paduka.
A 14-gun royal salute, symbolic of the 14 states in Malaysia, was executed by the 41st Ceremonial Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment, and accompanied by the hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang as the singing of the Negaraku filled the air.
Also present to witness the National Day 2018 parade were Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Cabinet ministers, including Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo and foreign representatives.
This year’s celebration is a historic milestone because of its significance in celebrating a new Pakatan Harapan-led Federal Government and the return of Dr Mahathir to the helm at the age of 93.
The choice of Putrajaya as the location of the National Day 2018 celebration, after 13 years since it last hosted the celebration, is also special as Dr Mahathir was the person who mooted the development of the area, previously known as Prang Besar, as the country’s administrative centre in 1995.
The last time the National Day parade took place in Putrajaya was in 2005.
An estimated 300,000 people thronged Dataran Putrajaya as early as 5am to enliven the atmosphere, bringing along their Jalur Gemilang to witness the National Day parade.
The recital of the Rukun Negara pledge involving 50 students, including two who were disabled, was led by Muhammad Aiman Shafiq Mohd Shah Noor Yong from the Royal Military College, Kuala Lumpur’s Sungai Besi Camp.
Shouts of “Merdeka” rang out seven times, also led by Muhammad Aiman Shafiq, at Dataran Putrajaya.
A special performance, “Sayangi Malaysiaku”, showcasing various community performances through the participation of 600 youth from the arts group, also attracted the attention of the crowd.
Leading the parade was the 60-member contingent carrying the 80ft by 40ft gigantic flag.
This was followed by the 660 carriers of the Jalur Gemilang and 1,340 carriers of the state flags as well as multi-coloured flags.
Throughout the event, the atmosphere was enlivened by the rhythm of tunes from the integrated uniformed band of 524 members. – BERNAMA
Couple Spotlight: National Power Couple, Tun Dr Mahatthir & Siti Hasmah
As individuals, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali are uniquely intriguing: he, as the twice-nominated prime minister of Malaysia, and she, the witty and faithful supporter of the nation’s leading man.
As a couple, their fondness for each other is palpable even more after 60-odd years of marriage. Age knows no bounds for their public displays of affection, playful banter and the emotional bond established in those years of building a family and a country simultaneously.
Through thick and thin, and in sickness and health, Tun Dr Mahathir and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah have stood by each other year after year, and we’ve got the photos to prove that.
For a dose of evergreen couple goals, look no further than the oldest ‘first couple’ of Malaysia, who proves that love indeed gets finer with age.
Tun Dr Mahathir and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah met in 1947, as students at King Edward Medical College, Singapore. It was no ‘love at first sight’ for the two – rather, their studies brought them together.
Where other male students showered their attention for Tun Dr Siti with chivalrous gestures, Tun Dr Mahathir won her heart as a study buddy. The top student offered his guidance in subjects Tun Siti needed to pass her exams – which she did, with flying colours.
The couple got married in 1956, 4 years after Tun Dr Mahathir graduated and a year after Tun Dr Siti Hasmah completed her education.
In 1957, the couple welcomed their firstborn, Datin Paduka Marina, followed by Mirzan, Tan Sri Mokhzani and Datuk Seri Mukhriz. In 1960, they adopted Melinda, and 2 more children in 1983, Mazhar and Maizura.
Their love for children is a telling sign of their nurturing qualities, the foundation of their roles as ‘parents’ of Malaysia.
Career commitments and national responsibilities drew the couple closer, in many ways. As the Prime Minister’s wife, Tun Siti Hasmah thrived in the opportunities and privileges that included travelling, meeting a diverse group of people, and serving in welfare organisations.
“The key to a good husband and wife relationship is love and fresh air,” Tun Dr Siti Hasmah professed to us in 2016. “Love and trust is very important.”
In 2005, the power couple put on their best black tie attire and graced us with their presence at the Malaysia Tatler Ball. Tun Mahathir had retired in October 2003 after serving as Prime Minister for 22 years.
Dancing should be in the books for every great politician. At the party, Tun Dr Mahathir granted the audience an eyeful of his groovy moves, partnering up with daughter Datin Paduka Marina for a first dance.
Not one to be left out, Tun Dr Siti, proved a competitive counterpart, cranking up her own moves on the dance floor.
– https://my.asiatatler.com/
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