Lion City Echoes With Shouts Of Merdeka On 67th National Day

SINGAPORE, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!" Jervois Road, which is usually quiet, echoed with the shouts of Merdeka on Saturday morning.

More than 80 people, consisting of Wisma Putra (Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry) staff, various ministries and agencies, as well as Malaysians who looked elegant in traditional national attire and batik, gathered at the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore on Jervois Road, to celebrate the 67th National Day. 

The celebration kicked off at 9 am with the traditional ceremony of raising the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag), accompanied by the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku, followed by the recitation of the Rukun Negara (Malaysian national philosophy), led by Defence Adviser Colonel Rosidi Mat Saad, who served as the parade commander.

The parade this year was attended by 28 home-based staff from the High Commission, as well as five officers each from the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.

In his speech, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Musfatar, said that in line with this year’s National Day theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka”, Malaysians in Singapore should continue to uphold the independence that has been achieved.

"It reminds us of the values we need to uphold in order to achieve progress and prosperity.

“Malaysia MADANI is a symbol of holistic unity for a progressive and advanced nation, embracing  multi-ethnic people who are united in spirit and strong in their identity,” he said.

He also reminded Malaysians in Singapore, as representatives of the country, to continue upholding Malaysia's good name by adhering to and respecting the regulations and laws of the republic.

Meanwhile, Valerie Cheah, a member of the Malaysian Association in Singapore (Masis) Advisory Board, hoped that Malaysians in the republic would continue to strengthen their relationships with one another.

“I wish all Malaysians happiness, success, and lots of love between all of us,” she stated.

Joyton Fu Hung Li, 21, President of the Malaysian Students' Association at the National University of Singapore (NUS), hoped that this year’s celebration will continue to strengthen relationships among all segments of society, both within Malaysia and abroad.

"Happy 67th National Day, Malaysia! May the multi-ethnic and multi-religious people continue to unite to develop our country and make Malaysia a peaceful and prosperous nation," he said.

-- BERNAMA