KUALA LUMPUR – The 2023 National Day Eve celebrations across the country were lively with crowds gathered in locations across the country to usher Merdeka.
Many were out with family and friends waiting for the stroke of midnight and flashy displays of fireworks.
At Dataran Merdeka here was thronged by about 15,000 visitors who chanted “Merdeka” seven times at the stroke of midnight, followed by the singing of national anthem Negaraku.
A five-minute fireworks display lit up the sky of the capital, accompanied by the evergreen tune – Tanggal 31 Ogos – sung by the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad.
At the KLCC, visitors were mesmerised by the light show held at the Petronas Twin Towers while those at the park enjoyed a rhythmic light-and-fountain show followed by a fireworks display at midnight, reported Bernama.
In Putrajaya, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar joined a congregation of more than 2,000 for Maghrib prayers, solat hajat and doa selamat led by Putra Mosque imam Abdul Karim Zakaria at the Ambang Merdeka Forum organised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) last night.
Na’im in his speech said Muslims should be role models, be merciful, get rid of bigotry and translate the application of Fiqh Taáyush (co-existence) in daily life, to inculcate harmony in the pluralistic society in Malaysia.
In Selangor, the National Day celebration at the state level was lively with the presence of about 20,000 people at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam attended by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and the state government leadership.
The celebration began at about 4.45pm with the recitation of salawat and prayers led by Habib Ali Zaenal Abidin, followed by a parade comprising 66 contingents, which included government departments, private sector, school bands and special performances by uniformed personnel.
Amirudin also presented a special donation to the Selangor Armed Forces Veterans Association and the Selangor Ex-Police Association, as well as presenting the Selangor Independence Figure Award to the late Lieutenant Adnan Saidi.
In Melaka, the state-level Merdeka eve celebration at the Ayer Keroh Square last night was graced with a 24 Season drum performance by students of SJKC Yok Bin.
Earlier, more than 30,000 visitors who began to gather at the square at 6pm were treated to various performances, among them poetry recitations by school students and songs sung by Datuk Wan Aishah Wan Arifiin.
In Johor, about 2,500 locals participated in the Yassin and Tahlil recitation programme ahead of the 66th National Day celebration at the Johor state level held at the Jamek Al-Falah Mosque in Simpang Renggam.
The ceremony, which was officiated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and broadcast live via the Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Department’s Facebook page, began with congregational Maghrib prayers.
In Perak, the state-level celebration held at the Sultan Azlan Shah roundabout in Meru began at 8pm, with about 10,000 people gathered.
The celebration, which was also attended by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and the state government’s exco line-up, featured dance performances, skits, poetry recitations, choirs, and songs by popular celebrities such as Haziq and Black Hanafiah.
In Kedah, the Merdeka eve celebration held at Tasik Darulaman, Jitra was lively, with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor present.
The public was also entertained with performances including martial arts and dances by the Malay, Chinese and Siamese communities as well as the recitation of the poem Tanah Air and a singing performance by Ameng from the Spring group.
In Kelantan, more than 5,000 visitors gathered at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu to witness 66 contingents taking part in the parade involving 2,310 participants.
Menteri Besar Datuk Nassuruddin Daud in his speech called on the people of Kelantan to maintain the blessings of independence by living harmoniously in a multi-racial community and having mutual respect for each other.
In Terengganu, the celebration held at Dataran Muara Utara of the Drawbridge in Kuala Terengganu began with a National Day-themed forum, followed by a string of patriotic songs sung by guest artistes.
Just before midnight, members of the 512 Territorial Army Regiment marched in carrying the Jalur Gemilang and the national flag was handed over by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to the Royal Malaysian Navy Reserve Force.
In Sarawak, thousands of locals gathered at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja in Mukah, last night for the Merdeka eve celebration and were treated to performances by Sarawak’s local artistes.
Also taking the stage were the Sri Ritma Borneo Mukah Dance Group, Sarawak P. Ramlee Fan Club and the Sarawak State Symphony Orchestra.
Sarawak Women, Children and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also the minister responsible for the National Day celebrations in Sarawak this year, was present at the event. – August 31, 2023