2022 National Day: Old timer Saifulkhairi excited to be back in action at Dataran Merdeka

He was "grounded" for two years from emceeing for the National Day parade at Dataran Merdeka as the event was not held there due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saifulkhairi said he is indeed excited to be able to return to action and expects this year's National Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka to be livelier.

"After two years of not being at Dataran Merdeka, it feels like a dream to be back in action again with fellow presenters Pang Chin Fei, Terrence Dass and our new member, Geegee Ahmad. It is going to be exciting.

"The National Day spirit is still there although there was no parade the past years. I always look forward to the month of August as it is National Month.

"There is an air of excitement, like in the federal capital itself, you can see Jalur Gemilang along the streets, even the route I take from home to office," he told Bernama.

Saifulkhairi, who writes his own script for hosting the event, called on the city folks to join in the celebration tomorrow to further enliven the event and show their appreciation for the country's independence.

"I call on city dwellers and residents in the Klang Valley, as well as other Malaysians, to celebrate National Day to show our spirit of patriotism and appreciation for the independence that we are enjoying today," he said.

This year's National Day celebration, with the theme "Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama" (Malaysian Family Stronger Together), will be broadcast live on all main television channels in the country.

The celebration this year will involve the largest participation with 18,000 participants involving parades by various contingents, including 27 ministries and various corporate bodies in the country.