Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Wednesday spent time in his office to choose the official attire for the 56th Merdeka anniversary this year.

Out of the five designs presented, Najib had chosen the dark blue attire to be worn by all Cabinet ministers at the Independence parade on Aug 31.

The Prime Minister later continued with his official duty to chair the Cabinet meeting.

Senior Deputy Secretary-General of the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Othman Mahmood said the theme of the Merdeka celebration this time would emphasise more on the basic colour of the uniform, which was rather different from last year which was more colourful.

"In line with the theme of 'Malaysia Tanah Airku, Tumpahnya Darahku' the design of the official attire for the Merdeka celebration this year characterised independence, sovereignty and heroism," he told Bernama.

"Unlike the past celebrations which largely used colourful batik shirts, the design this time had the concept of a uniform to symbolise support for the nation's security forces," said Othman, who is also the Chairman of the Government's Official Functions.