Wave Of Independence Spirit Sweeps Across National Day Celebrations

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- The spirit of independence surged in the hearts of more than 100,000 Malaysians of all ages, races and religions who gathered at Dataran Putrajaya to express their love for the country during the 2024 National Day celebrations today.

In line with the 67th National Day theme, "Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka", pride and excitement were visible on the faces of the visitors, who started filling every corner of the five-kilometre parade route at the square as early as midnight last night.

This is the sixth time the National Day celebrations were staged in the federal administrative capital, with the previous editions being held in 2003, 2005, 2018, 2019 and 2023.

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As in previous years, the event, which holds deep meaning for every Malaysian, began with the arrival of dignitaries at 6.30 am, followed by the arrival of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah at 8 am.

In fact, Sultan Ibrahim personally drove his own car to attend the celebrations, His Majesty's first after being sworn in as the 17th King of Malaysia on Jan 31.

Upon their arrival at the Royal Dais, five helicopters carrying the Jalur Gemilang performed an honorary flypast in tribute to Their Majesties, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku.

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His Majesty then received the Royal Salute from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, consisting of four officers and 103 other ranks from the Perdana Camp, Sungai Besi, led by Major Muhammad Fikri Senan.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the two Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with Cabinet ministers including Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the 2024 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) Celebration Main Committee chairman, diplomats and foreign representatives attended the celebrations.

Broadcast live on television and social media, the event was enlivened by the 2024 National Day parade and procession, featuring 17,262 participants, 57 contingents, 22 marching bands, 343 land assets, 37 air assets and 112 service animals.

A drizzle that began at 7.50 am did not dampen the Malaysian spirit, which burned brighter as the event officially kicked off with the singing of Negaraku in conjunction with the raising of the Jalur Gemilang and the simultaneous firing of a 14-gun salute symbolising the 14 states of Malaysia, carried out by the 41st Ceremonial Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment, led by Major Hafizan Mat Ghani.

No National Day celebrations would be complete without the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge. Corporal Mohd Khairul Azhar Abbi Paisa, one of the heroes involved in the shooting incident at the Ulu Tiram police station, Johor on May 17, was given the honour to lead 66 students from the Bachelor of Education Programme, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ilmu Khas Cheras, Kuala Lumpur in this year's celebrations.

The spirit of independence flared up with pride, and everyone enthusiastically waved mini Jalur Gemilang flags as the historic cry of "Merdeka" echoed across Dataran Putrajaya seven times after the pledge was completed.

Attention then shifted to the national component parade, which began with a contingent carrying an 80 x 40-foot (24.3 x 12.2-metre) Jalur Gemilang flag by 100 cadet officers of the Military Training Academy, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia.

The state flag parade also added to the festive atmosphere, involving 100 members from the Police Cadet Corps, Malaysian Scouts Association, and Road Transport Department Cadet Corps.

What made it even more special was the first-ever participation of the Malaysia MADANI Community contingent, the longest contingent dressed in full ethnic attire with accessories, symbolising Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage.

Visitors were also captivated by the unique performances of the contingent, featuring traditional instruments and special displays, including the jidur and tetuang ensembles, kompang, dragon and lion dances, Chingay, Urumi drumming, Bhangra, peacock dance, and a parade of Bajau horses and warriors.

The event continued with the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang Contingent, which travelled 8,551 kilometres, covering 162 stops across the Peninsula, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

Befittingly, the sectors driving the country's economic growth were also given pride of place. Thus, the crowds were treated to a parade of economic contingents from various government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs), and private companies, including Permodalan Nasional Berhad, FGV Holdings Berhad and Khazanah Nasional.

Loud cheers also greeted popular animated characters such as Upin and Ipin, Boboiboy, Papa Zola, and Ejen Ali, along with a collaboration of broadcasting stations including the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Media Prima, RTM, and Astro, which brightened up the creative and broadcasting industry contingent parade.

National athletes who have brought glory to the country in various international sporting events also joined the glorious parade.

As usual, the most anticipated event was the wellbeing contingent parade, where attendees were treated to various displays of assets such as special operations vehicles from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force and two new Urban Search and Rescue units from the Fire and Rescue Department.

The excitement grew with the roar of engines and aerial performances, including fighter jets such as the Sukhoi SU-30MKM, F/A-18D Hornet, Hawk MK 208, and transport aircraft like the Airbus A400M and C130 Hercules.

In addition to the security segment by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), including the 21st Special Forces Group and MAF-owned assets, the parade also featured the Royal Malaysia Police Mounted Unit detachment, led by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain along with other senior officers. 

A dance performance titled "Cuci Rasuah" using cleaning tools such as brooms and trash bins was also presented as a manifestation of transparency, governance and integrity, marking the end of the 2024 National Day celebrations. 

Apart from Putrajaya, the patriotic spirit of the 2024 National Day celebrations also reverberated across the length and breadth of the country, though on a more moderate scale.

-- BERNAMA