Merdeka Day parade reflects love for country - Najib

"I feel as though my hair stand on end, seeing how high the patriotic spirit shown," he said when addressing the participants and thousands of spectators shortly after the parade at the Merdeka Square here Saturday.

Accompanied by his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who is the 56th Merdeka Day organising committee chairman, Najib commended and thanked various committees, the security forces, the public and private sectors, and students taking part in the parade.

He said the theme was very apt as "we were born in our homeland Malaysia, we grew up in our homeland Malaysia, we make a living in our homeland Malaysia, and God willing, we will be buried in our homeland Malaysia."

It also embodies a great meaning to the independence which calls on people to defend it with their life and soul, he said.

The prime minister hoped the patriotic spirit shown would be instilled among the people, particularly the younger generation in an effort to take the country to the pinnacle of success in the march towards a developed nation.

Najib commended contingents taking part in the parade, particularly the security forces.

He said the sacrifices made by the security forces in defending the country against the Sulu armed intrusion in Lahad Datu had soared the spirit of patriotism and love for the country among Malaysians.

"This is our hope, renewing the patriotic spirit in our hearts as Malaysians who love this country," he said.

Meanwhile, in his Twitter post, Najib called on the people to maintain the security and sovereignty of the country.

On the Malaysian Aidilfitri open house in Melaka which he attended yesterday, the prime minister expressed his appreciation to the people of Melaka for the joyous occasion.

About 40,000 people attended the open house which was held at the Hang Tuah Stadium.