Malaysia Day celebrations

By Rizwan Khatik - Fri Sep 16, 6:58 am

KUALA LUMPUR: A strong sense of patriotism filled the air as tens of thousands of people joined the nation’s leaders at Dataran Merdeka here for the first ever simultaneous celebrations of the National Day and Malaysia Day.

The younger generation dominated this year’s celebrations, forming the largest group among the 10,000-strong participants in the four-segment parades.

The participants, comprising school students, teachers, security personnel, and government and private sector employees started to gather around the venue as early as 5am to get ready for the historic occasion.

The celebrations got underway soon after the arrival of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah at 8am.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and wife Rosmah Mansor as well as Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Norainee Abd Rahman had earlier arrived at the venue.

Also present were the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Norlidah RM Jasni as well as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng and wife Norkiah Abdullah.

Cabinet ministers were also at the celebrations.
The massive crowd who lined up along the road from Jalan Raja right to the Jalan Sultan Ismail intersection applauded and cheered and waved the flags as the guests of honour made their way into the venue.