Malaysians in Singapore, Jakarta and Thailand Celebrate 67th National Day with Lively Festivities and Unity
SINGAPORE/JAKARTA/BANGKOK, 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, 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.
In JAKARTA, the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta hosted a lively National Day celebration with over 300 guests, including officials, embassy staff, Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN, expatriates, and students.
The event began around 8 am local time with a flag-raising ceremony conducted by two Army personnel, followed by the national anthem 'Negaraku' and a prayer led by First Secretary (Religious Affairs) Mohd Shamsuri Ghazali.
In his speech, Ambassador Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin highlighted the importance of independence and peace, urging attendees to honour the sacrifices of Malaysia's patriots, particularly those who lost their lives defending the country's sovereignty.
Malaysia's Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, also attended the event, which featured a reception with traditional Malaysian dishes like spiced chicken nasi lemak, as well as cakes and teh tarik.
Entertainment included a performance of the song and dance 'Saya Anak Malaysia' by the children of embassy staff and a recitation of the poem 'Erti Kemerdekaan', which reflected on Malaysia's path to independence and future direction.
The event highlighted the embassy’s role in strengthening connections between Malaysians abroad and their homeland, as well as enhancing bilateral relations with Indonesia.
President of the Malaysian Students Association in Indonesia (PKPMI: Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Malaysia di Indonesia), Abdullah Ali Albaqir, expressed his gratitude: "I'm thrilled to celebrate Independence Day with friends and the diaspora here.
"Even abroad, we can partake in these celebrations, which helps strengthen our bonds with the Indonesian people, especially as our own Independence Day also falls in August."
Malaysian expatriate Azwan Omar shared his sentiments: "It's heartening to gather here despite not being able to attend the events at Putrajaya. It makes me feel closer to home, despite the distance."
In BANGKOK, the spirit of patriotism transcends borders as Malaysians living in Thailand come together to celebrate their heritage with vibrant festivities, reflecting their unwavering patriotism and strong sense of community.
Dressed in traditional attire, they gathered to sing the national anthem “Negaraku,” commemorating the 67th National Day with a blend of traditional and modern festivities that showcase their pride in Malaysia's cultural heritage.
S. Nagalingam, 68, who wore a traditional Indian kurta, shared that he eagerly looks forward to attending the National Day celebration every year, as it offers an opportunity to reconnect with fellow Malaysians.
"To me, it is a momentous day for all Malaysians to celebrate National Day far from home and sing the Negaraku proudly. It is a unique experience that is both heartwarming and meaningful," he told Bernama on Saturday.
Another Malaysian, Dr Hwee Khim Boo, 62, who has been working in Thailand for 30 years, emphasised the importance of this day as a time for Malaysians to come together to celebrate their rich heritage and culture.
"No matter where you are from in Malaysia or what race you are, as long as you are Malaysian, this is our way to gather and celebrate our National Day. It helps us feel connected to our roots and community," she said.
About 200 Malaysians in Bangkok gathered on Saturday (Aug 31) at the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) Hall to celebrate Malaysia's National Day, an event organised by the Malaysian Embassy.
They enjoyed a variety of Malaysian delicacies, including Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, and Teh Tarik, bringing a taste of home to the celebration.
Malaysia's Ambassador to Thailand, Jojie Samuel, in his speech highlighted the unique and meaningful experience of celebrating National Day abroad.
"I hope that Malaysians in Thailand can instil the spirit of independence within each individual, ensuring that the sense of freedom and love for our homeland continues to thrive, making this day one that prepares Malaysia for a more prosperous future," he said.
The celebratory mood was further enhanced by performances of the patriotic songs "Setia" and "Jalur Gemilang" by members of the Persatuan Wanita Kementerian Luar Negeri (Perwakilan or The Foreign Ministry Ladies Association).
Additionally, the National Day Message will be displayed on the giant LED screen at CentralWorld, the largest shopping mall in Thailand, from 7 am to 12 midnight, three times per hour.
The Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag) will also be displayed on the giant LED screen at Siam Paragon and on top of Baiyoke Tower II, an iconic building in Bangkok.
-- BERNAMA
