Malaysians observed a minute of silence at 57th Merdeka celebration

Malaysians from all walks of life recovered from the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 tragedy as they demonstrated strong patriotic spirit to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the country's independence at the Dataran Merdeka.

Together they united with more than 14,000 people joining the parade in a show of love for the country at the square where the Union Jack was taken down and replaced with the national flag now known as the 'Jalur Gemilang' in place of the British flag.

Unity was also displayed through a march past by 23 contingents from government departments and agencies, private sector and security personnel, as well as lively field performances.

The Merdeka parade began promptly at 8.05am, after the arrival of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Haminah.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman as well as cabinet members and heads of foreign missions were also present to watch the parade and two hours of exhilarating performances.

At 8.15am, the national anthem Negaraku was sung to the sound of 14 rounds of artillery fire followed by the pledge read by 57 participants comprising school students, undergraduates and civil servants.

Those present also observed a minute of silence in remembrance of those warriors who had sacrificed their lives in the past.

Tuanku Abdul Halim also inspected the Guard of Honour made up of 107 officers and personnel from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment from the Sungai Besi Camp, led by Major Ameiza Mohd Ashhari.

At the same time, there was a flypast by five helicopters from the Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) carrying the national flag.

What was obvious during the event was the participation of thousands of youths in the field performances after tirelessly training to ensure flawless execution.

Responsibilities such as reading the pledge and carrying the giant Jalur Gemilang were also entrusted to the youths.

The pledge reading by a group of 57 pledge readers was led by a student from Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah in Putrajaya, Ahmad Amsyar Ahmad Afendi, who then led the crowd chanting "Merdeka" seven times.

Throughout the ceremony, a zeppelin bearing the image of the Father of Independence Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj hovered in the air space at Dataran Merdeka along with four drones.

A high-tech camera was installed on the zeppelin, allowing the bird's-eye view on the event to be broadcasted onto the giant screen at Dataran Merdeka for all to see, as well as for use by TV stations.

A total of 2,280 choir members and 2,240 were involved in the field performances which coloured the celebrations with various unique formations of words and logos.

The choir and field performers then sang the songs titled Warisan and Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta, which sent across this year's national day theme, Malaysia: Here, Where Love Begins.

Interestingly this year, the emceeing duty taken up by Saiful Khairi Ahmad Hasibuan from the Culture and Arts Department and Pang Chin Fei, TV3's senior journalist was also shared by Malaysia's beloved animation characters, Upin and Ipin.

Upin and Ipin went interactive on an LED screen with each skit and song they performed were supported by graphic formations done by field participants and the graphic terrace.

Sixty members of the Armed Forces marching band led by Left Aziz Joslim Abdullah took the lead in the parade, with the sound of RMAF SU-30MKM Sukhoi and Hawk aircraft rumbled above when they came together for a spectacular formation over the air space.

This was followed by 57 flag bearers carrying giant-sized flags and 57 flag bearers from National Youth Skills Institutes (IKBN) carrying small flags, as well as 23 participating contingents and 10 marching bands.

Also exhibited to the public during the parade were 157 assets belonging to country's security forces.