PUTRAJAYA: The 68th National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya begins officially this morning as Malaysians of all races showcase their unity and love for the country.
About 100,000 visitors are expected to show up for the celebrations, themed ‘Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni’, which include performances that will ignite the spirit of patriotism among the attendees at Dataran Putrajaya and around the country.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, are expected to grace the celebrations, along with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet ministers.
The celebrations will begin with military pageantry followed by stage performances and a colour parade depicting the Malaysia Madani aspirations as a country that prioritises its people’s welfare and respects diversity.
A total of 81 contingents involving 14,062 participants will take part in the parade and march pass, including 21 bands, seven floats, 508 land and air assets, along with 116 service animals.
The highlights include the Asean Chair contingent coordinated by Foreign Ministry, joined by representatives of various ministries and 20 embassy officials from Asean countries and Timor-Leste, to symbolising Malaysia as 2025 Asean Chair.
The celebrations also include an airshow by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) involving national main combat assets, featuring Air Force chief Gen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris flying a Su-30MKM fighter jet.
Today’s celebrations will be closed by a “Citra Madani” performance coordinated the National Cultural and Arts Department involving various agencies, educational institutions and local artists.
– Bernama
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
