Wave of Independence Spirit Sweeps Across Malaysia's National Day Celebrations
PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), 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 on Saturday.
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 on Friday 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.
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 (Malaysian flad) performed an honorary flypast in tribute to Their Majesties, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku.
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 Anwar Ibrahim, the two Deputy Prime Ministers Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and 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.
On the same occasion, Malaysian Cabinet ministers described the celebration as extraordinary, praising its success in bringing together people of all races, religions, and cultures.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said that the large turnout of Malaysians underscored the vibrancy of the celebration and the spirit of unity.
He emphasised that the strong participation across all levels of society with the Unity Government is a positive development for advancing the nation.
“Today’s impressive turnout highlights the importance of the spirit of independence as we move the country forward,” he told Bernama.
Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also praised the celebration, calling it a proud moment due to the extraordinary attendance.
“We want the existing peace, harmony, and stability to enable the government to drive the nation's development forward,” he said.
Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad noted that the variety of creative performances showcased during this celebration demonstrated the people's creativity in expressing their patriotism.
“Alhamdulillah, it was a vibrant celebration, and as early as midnight, many people were camping out to see the festivities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa expressed her excitement about the unity displayed by Malaysians in celebrating the National Day.
"It was a wonderful celebration. Congratulations to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil for successfully organising this event. Happy National Day,” she said.
This marked the sixth time the National Day celebration has been held at Putrajaya, the administrative capital of the federal government. The event was previously organised there in 2003, 2005, 2018, 2019, and 2023.
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
