Today is the 50th anniversary of independence of Malaysia.
I would like to salute you all, Viva, Malaysia!
The below is a reproduction of the latest news report from the Malaysian National Agency, Bernama.com.(Lily)
‘States Stage Grand Merdeka Eve Celebrations’ 31 August2007
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) Celebrations to usher in the 50th Merdeka (Independence) Day were held in a grand manner throughout the country. While the main celebration at the Dataran Merdeka here took centre stage, similar celebrations were held in the states and other cities.
In PUTRAJAYA, thousands of people thronged the Dataran Putrajaya in Precinct 3. At the stroke of midnight, they burst into shouts of "Merdeka" as the sky lit up in a colourful display of fireworks presented by the Japanese team participating in the International Fireworks Competition 2007. The Japanese team was the last to put on its show after similar presentations by Malaysia (on Aug 18), Australia (Aug 22) and Italy (Aug 25) in their quest for the Merdeka Gold Trophy.
The Merdeka Eve celebrations incorporated cultural performances of the various races in Malaysia and performances by guest artistes such as Awie, Dina, Bob and Mas Idayu.
In SHAH ALAM, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo raised the "Jalur Gemilang" Malaysian flag at the stroke of midnight to the strains of the "Negaraku" national anthem, also sung by the 11,000 people present. Dr Mohamad Khir had earlier received the flag from 50 participants of a motorcycle expedition for over 50 hours from Aug 28 in Shah Alam. As the spectators sang the "Malaysiaku Gemilang" theme song for the celebrations, a 10-minute fireworks display lit up the sky over Shah Alam. The Merdeka Eve celebrations began with a stage show at 9pm.
In PENANG, the celebrations took place at the Esplanade with Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon at the helm. A cultural performance and the singing of patriotic songs were also held as part of the celebrations.
In IPOH, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali helmed the celebrations at the Ipoh Padang where various performances and the singing of patriotic songs were held. Three poets performed a poetry declamation prior to the raising of the "Jalur Gemilang" Malaysian flag at midnight.
In KUANTAN, more than 10,000 people gathered at the Kuantan Municipal Council field for the celebrations.
At the stroke of midnight, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and the crowd shouted "Merdeka" seven times along with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was shown live on a giant screen at the main celebration at the Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. There was also a 10-minute fireworks display, as well as cultural performances, singing of patriotic songs and poetry declamation.
In KANGAR, Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim honoured 50 married couples who had lived together for at least 50 years. The couples joined Shahidan in watching a float procession through the town.
In KOTA BAHARU, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat attended the Merdeka Eve celebration at the Sultan Mohamed IV Stadium, where "nasyid" and "dikir barat" performances were staged. The Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee held similar celebrations at the Dataran Warisan Kok Lanas, with a float procession and a fireworks display.
In KUALA TERENGGANU, the celebrations were held at the Taman Awam Batu Burok. The celebrations began with a forum.
In KOTA KINABALU, the Malaysian flag was hoisted at the stroke of midnight at Padang Merdeka. The flag had been carried by 50 soldiers who had walked from Kalabakan in Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, a distance of 550km, in what was dubbed as the "Merdeka March - The Spirit of Kalabakan" beginning Aug 13.
In SEREMBAN, 13 floats took part in a procession, and there were stage performances by artistes as well as a fireworks display.
In KEDAH, the Merdeka Eve celebrations took place at the Sungai Petani Municipal Council square. The Sultan and Sultanah of Kedah, the Raja Muda, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and thousands of people joined in the celebrations.
BERNAMA
(End)
