Parading a nation's unity

The spirit of patriotism, national struggle, national identity and anti-corruption are the elements embodied in the National Day celebration this year as an aspiration to make Malaysia a clean, efficient and trustworthy nation.

With the theme ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih (Love Our Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia), the highlight of the celebration, the parade in Putrajaya Square, featured four components to support that aspiration, namely nationhood, public order, national security and Love Our Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia.

The celebration was also extra special as it was graced by the country’s new King, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who was installed as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on July 30.

Witnessed by millions, either at the Putrajaya Square or via live telecast on television and social media, the programme kicked off as early as 6.30 am with a human graphics performance by 2,120 schoolchildren.

The official celebration began with the arrival of Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah at the square, followed by the singing of the national anthem 'Negaraku' and the hoisting of the national flag, Jalur Gemilang.

A 14-gun royal salute, symbolic of the 13 states and federal territory in Malaysia, was executed by the 41st Ceremonial Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment and accompanied by the hoisting of the national flag.

Also present were Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Cabinet ministers, and foreign dignitaries.

Dr Mahathir had arrived at the venue in a new red Proton Saga, which he drove himself.

The recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge for this year’s celebration was led by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Zuhairie Abu Bakar. He was accompanied by 62 pledge reciters comprising individuals from all walks of life, including teachers and students, employees in the public and private sectors, as well as government-linked companies.

After the recitation of the pledge, seven shouts of ‘Merdeka’ rang out in Putrajaya.

- Bernama

(More to follow)