PUTRAJAYA: A sea of patriotism swept across Dataran Putrajaya this morning as the 68th National Day celebration, themed Malaysia Madani, Rakyat Disantuni, kicked off.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, arrived in a blue Proton Satria Neo and were greeted with cheers from thousands of visitors who had been filling the grandstands since last night.
Their Majesties’ arrival was marked by a flypast of three EC 725 helicopters, an AgustaWestland AW109, and a Maritime Operations Helicopter AW139, accompanied by the national anthem, Negaraku.
The king then inspected the guard of honour before Negaraku was played again for the flag-raising ceremony, which was accompanied by a 14-gun salute.
The ruler then joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and government leaders on stage.
The Rukun Negara pledge followed, led by Royal Malaysian Navy principal warfare officer Lieutenant Commander Mohd Firdaus Arbaain of KD Sri Indera Sakti.
He was joined by 68 students from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
A performance of the theme song by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza added colour to the celebration.
In every direction, eager Malaysians waved the Jalur Gemilang to show their enthusiasm for the National Day celebrations.
This year’s parade featured 14,010 participants, 81 contingents, 21 marching bands, 437 land and air assets, 116 service animals, and seven decorated floats.
The contingents represented government agencies, security forces, government-linked companies (GLCs), and the private sector.
They included segments such as the national contingent, the people’s parade, the economy and private sector, broadcasting and creative industry, national sports, local vehicle assets, electric vehicle (EV) assets, and national wellbeing and security.
The broadcasting contingent also featured 22 Media Prima Bhd staff members, along with other media agencies.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
