PUTRAJAYA: Thousands of Malaysians from all walks of life had flocked to Dataran Putrajaya early morning today to celebrate the Malaysia’s 66th National Day and witness the colourful parade involving 17,262 participants from various government and private agencies.
Dignitaries and national leaders started to arrive at 7.30am followed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah who waved at the crowd and was greeted by loud cheers.
As soon as Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah took their places at the royal box, five helicopters –three Airbus H225M (EC 725) helicopters, AgustaWestland AW109 (Agusta A109) and Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) AW 139 did a fly past accompanied by the national anthem ‘Negaraku’.
His Majesty was given the Royal Salute and invited to inspect the Guard of Honour mounted by four officers and 103 members of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Major Mohd. Ridhwan Mohd. Asri.
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his Facebook post said, he and the cabinet ministers had accompanied Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah to meet the multi-racial Malaysians after the historical event ended.
Also present at the National Day 2023 celebration were Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof, Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil, diplomats, foreign delegates and dignitaries.
“My appreciation to all who had flooded the Dataran Putrajaya to celebrate the important day for Malaysia and the unity that had been exhibited today was the prove of the true Malaysian’s value.
“I hope the independence spirit will be strengthened continuously and instilled strongly in every Malaysian heart and soul,” Anwar said.
Anwar also appreciated the participants who had been involved in the parade, air demonstrations and shows throughout the celebration.
“The unity spirit that we embraced like what was shown today will enable Malaysia to move forward to become a strong nation.
“We have to appreciate independence and the sovereignty of our country,” the prime minister reiterated.
Meanwhile the theme “Malaysia Madani: Determination in Unity, Fulfiling Hope” for this year independence celebration is in line with the framework of the Malaysia Madani’s vision that is supported by the unity government and is seen capable of boosting the spirit of unity that has been long existing among Malaysians.
Earlier the celebration started with the performance of the Army Red Warrior Acrobatic Team of the Malaysian Army (TDM) with the participation of 42 personnel and the special appearance of 66 Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Besides that on display were the VAT69 jump action from the police, 400 drumming performances, 36 marching bands and a special National Day 2023 performance titled “Determination to Fulfil Hope” by 1,500 participants.
However the main attraction of the celebration was the mass parade involving 17,262 participants and 67 contingents. The contingents were divided into nine components namely nationhood, unity of Malaysia Madani, economy, banking, telecommunications, creative industry and broadcasting, national sports and national security.
Also on display were 534 tactical vehicle assets from various security agencies and 100 different animals. –Malaysia World News
