National Day 2020 celebration under new normal one to be remembered

The National Day 2020 celebration will be etched in the memory of Malaysians as it is celebrated in line with the government's standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the restrictions in place did not suppress the people's patriotic spirit as they expressed their love for the country in their own way including sharing moments and messages on social media.

Using the hashtags #MalaysiaPrihatin and #MomenNegaraku, most people also shared photographs of flying the Jalur Gemilang and expressing hope that Malaysia will continue to prosper.

For the first time, Dataran Pahlawan Negara in Putrajaya was chosen as the venue of the National Day celebration themed 'Malaysia Prihatin' (Malaysia Cares), which was limited to dignitaries, members of the security forces and related personnel to ensure the ceremony was run in accordance to the SOPs.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah graced the event at Dataran Pahlawan Negara this morning. Their Majesties were greeted by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and wife Datin Norlin Shamsul Bahri.

After the singing of the national anthem '’Negaraku'’, their Majesties then left for the Multipurpose Hall of Dataran Pahlawan Negara where the Agong delivered the Royal Address in conjunction with National Day 2020.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, the Yang Dipertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir and Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani binti Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud graced the Negeri Sembilan-level National Day Celebration 2020 held at the Seremban Municipal Council field.

Also in attendance at the closed-door event were their two sons Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin and Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin.

It was also attended by about 250 people consisting of the state executive councillors and representatives of various government agencies as well as front-line representatives.

In PAHANG, Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah attended the state-level National Day 2020 celebration at the Sukpa Indoor Stadium in Indera Mahkota.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and state administration leaders also attended the celebration that took place under the new normal.

Apart from the parade by the uniformed team, the event saw the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge by COVID-19 frontliners, patriotic song performances by the Pahang Public Service Choir Group and also poetry performances.

In MELAKA, Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam and wife Toh Puan Asmah Abdul Rahman, and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali and wife Datin Seri Munira M. Yusop were present at the National Day 2020 celebration at Dataran Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh.

The ceremony began with a prayer recitation by Melaka Mufti Datuk Abdul Halim Tawil, followed by the singing of the '’Negaraku'’ and the raising of the Jalur Gemilang by members of the Third Regiment of the Royal Military Police Corps, Terendak Camp.

The programme continued with the recital of the Rukun Negara pledge, poems, singing by the Institute of Literature of Malacca choir, National Choir and the Department of Culture and Arts, followed by the National Day message by Sulaiman.

In TERENGGANU, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar was present to witness the maritime sail-past of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) Pekan Maritime Ship (KM), KM Bagan Datuk, KM Tok Bali, KM Gemia, KM Begahak, Pengalang 16, the Pengalang 45 boat and the Guard 16 boat as they traversed the estuary of the Terengganu River and crossed the drawbridge.

Also present were Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Ahmad Amzad Hasim and MMEA director-general, Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Zubil Mat Som.

In KOTA KINABALU, the state-level National Day celebration which took place at the Sabah International Convention Centre was attended by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M.Jasni, as well as Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and wife Datin Shuryani Shuaib.

The celebration, attended by 250 invited guests, was enlivened by cultural dance performances, choir presentations and poetry recitation.

In SARAWAK, the state-level National Day celebration saw a 2.5 km Unity Walk event which was flagged-off by Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud. Participants of various races and cultural backgrounds were styled in their traditional costumes.

The walk that passed through the Simanggang city centre, waterfront before returning to Dewan Suarah, was also attended by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, state ministers, heads of government departments and community leaders.