The theme of 'Sehati Sejiwa' (One Heart, One Soul) which was retained for the 2016 National Day celebration was truly apt as people from all over the country celebrated Merdeka eve displaying togetherness, gratitude and pride.
As usual, the much awaited countdown at 12 midnight to greet the arrival of Aug 31 was the highlight to welcome the nation's independence day.
Celebrations in the federal capital were concentrated at Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) with fireworks around the national landmark with cries of "Merdeka" and the singing of the Negaraku (national anthem).
Performances from various races, the Colour of Voices was among the show which captivated the attention of about 5,000 spectators which also manifested the 1Malaysia image as well as a musical fountain show.
Meanwhile, at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, the #SehatiSejiwa Merdeka Eve concert saw more than 5,000 people flooding the stadium including Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak and the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad.
The concert which began at 9 pm presented several popular local artistes including Ella, Dayang Nurfaizah, Syamin and Yassin, followed by the climax of the night with a fireworks show and shouts of "Merdeka".
Meanwhile, IT student Ng Shin Ying, 20, won the Miss Malaysia Tourism 2016/17 crown on the eve of National Day, beating 15 other beauties from nine states for the coveted title.
Held at a hotel here, the Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant 2016 National Final also saw A-Level students Thalia Thin, 18, and Tiong Li San, 17, being respectively crowned Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen of the Year 2016/17 and Miss Malaysia Tourism Metropolitan 2016/17.
They will represent Malaysia in their respective Miss Tourism International Pageant World Finals this year.
In NEGERI SEMBILAN, the Merdeka Eve celebration was enlivened by the participation of 60 secondary school students from Jelebu district in the 2016 Premier Museum Sleepover at the Jelebu Adat Museum.
Earlier, all of them aged 14 to 17, join an Explorace programme to test their moral and self-identity before the raising of the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) and cries of Merdeka and the singing of Negaraku at 12 midnight.
In Kelantan, almost 20,000 people assembled to celebrate the state level Merdeka Eve programme at Lembah Sireh, Kota Baharu organised by the Kelantan Federal Development Department and the Information Department tonight.
Among the programmmes included an auto show, sound and lights display, Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy procession and ending with a fireworks display.
In Perlis, the celebration organised by the Karnival Belia Anak Merdeka was held at the compound of Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium.
The highlights of programme, attended by Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man and the State Youth, Sports and Culture Committee chairman Abdul Jamil Saad included long drum display by the Perlis Siamese communitty and the singing of patriotic songs.
In PAHANG, the Merdeka Eve celebration began with a thanksgiving prayer at the Universiti Islam Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah college mosque.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and state executive councillors as well as Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Sharifuddin Ab Ghani were among thousands present at the ceremony.
Pahang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman conducted the prayers for continuous blessing and prosperity of Malaysia since independence.
In KEDAH, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah with more than 2,000 people celebrated the state level Merdeka Eve event at Aman Central here.
Among the highlights of programme were a video show, a sajak declamation as well as the singing of patriot songs and the raising of the Jalur Gemilang by all present before a firework display and the cries of Merdeka.
In SARAWAK, the grand celebration was in Sri Aman with crowds arriving as early as 8pm the Sri Aman Waterfront and Sri Aman Youth and Sports Complex.
Entertainment was provided by Pentarama artistes from the Information Department.
Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud also attended thanksgiving prayers at Masjid Sri Aman in the evening, which was part of the programme.
In MELAKA, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron together with his state execuitive councillors joined some 1,000 people including foreign tourists in Jalan Hang Tuah to celebrate Merdeka eve.
In PENANG, thousands thronged Autocity Juru and Butterworth Outer Ring Road (R&R) in Pantai Bersih for the countdown and fireworks display.
In George Town, it was the same scene at Padang Kota Lama but there was no fireworks display on the island side.
In PERAK, Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh was a sea of people for the countdown.
Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim graced the occasion. Also present was Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Besides cultural performances, the crowd was also entertained to an angklung show, poetry declamation while hot air balloons livened the night.
Bernama
Tue Aug 30 2016
Celebrations in the federal capital were concentrated at Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) with fireworks around the national landmark with cries of "Merdeka" and the singing of the Negaraku.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.