Malaysians celebrate 56th Merdeka day in patriotic fervour

Spectators headed for public gatherings in the capital, state capitals and major towns to witness the celebration themed "Malaysiaku Berdaulat: Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku" (My Sovereign Malaysia. My Native land).

In Kuala Lumpur, thousands of people and tourists thronged the Merdeka Square as early as 7am to witness the Merdeka Day parade which started shortly after the arrival of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah at 8am.

The royal couple were greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife, Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman.

Tuanku Abdul Halim took a salute and inspected a parade mounted by four officers and 103 men from the first battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment based in Sungai Besi led by Major Mohamad Abdullah.

This was followed by the rendition of 'Negaraku' and the hoisting of the 'Jalur Gemilang' accompanied by a 14-gun salute symbolising 14 states (including the Federal Territories) in Malaysia by the Royal Artillery Regiment.

This was followed by a pledge read out by 56 Malaysians from various races comprising students, teachers, undergraduates, civil servants, security forces personnel and people with disabilities led by Muhammad Amal Mohd Yadzan from Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, Putrajaya.

This year's parade honoured the sacrifices made by the security forces in defending the sovereignty of the country by thwarting the Lahad Datu armed intrusion in February.

The theme of the celebration embodies patriotic fervour, unity and national sovereignty in bolstering the nation's defence against foreign incursion.

A total of 15,280 participants from 56 contingents took part in the parade, which was divided into four segments, namely 'My Malaysia', Solidarity, National Prosperity, and My Sovereign Malaysia: My Native Land.