celebrates independence day

KUCHING: Malaysia celebrated its watched the event live on television. accompanied by the firing of 14 cannon 49th National Day here yesterday with a The King and Queen arrived at shots. They were also followed by the glittering parade and procession Padang Merdeka at 7.45am and were Jalur Gemilang and KeranaMu involving the different groups of its received by Culture, Arts and Heritage Malaysia songs. multiracial and multi-religious society. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, who Eight secondary school students, led The King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin chairs the Merdeka Month Celebration by Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuchihg Syed Putra Jamalullail, the Queen National Committee, and his wife Datin student head Zulfadli Zahudin, recited Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Hash id Masnah Rais. the "Rukun Negara" and cried out and national leaders joined thousands The Ring and Queen were then "Merdeka" seven times. of flag-waving Malaysians in watching ushered to the main stage where In , Opalyn Mok reported the participants make a formation Yang Diperlua Negeri Tun that the sleepy town of Balik Pulau symbolising the framework for national Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang came alive with vibrant colours, development under the Ninth Malaysia Barieng, Prime Minister Datuk Seri patriotic songs and cheering crowds on Plan (9MP) and the national mission in , Deputy Prime Merdeka morning, where the state-level the parade held at Padang Merdeka. Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Merdeka celebration and parade were While maintaining the theme, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul held this year. "KeranaMu Malaysia", which reflects Taib Mahmud and members of the Despite an early morning drizzle and the people's gratitude for the peace and federal and state cabinets stood waiting. cloudy skies, thousands of people rapid development that they enjoy, this When the national anthem was turned up to watch the parade which year's celebration also carries a sub- played, Royal Malaysian Air Force started at about 10.50am. theme, "National Mission Generates helicopters made a fly-past carrying the More than 9,000 participants from Vision", aimed at highlighting the five Jalur Gemilang and emitting rows of schools, factories and organisations took main thrusts of the 9MP. red, blue and yellow smoke. part in the two-hour parade, which also Padang Merdeka in the town centre The King then inspected the guard- passed through villages and housing came alive with spirited declarations of-hohour mounted by four officers and estates. pledging loyalty to the nation, lively 105 other personnel of the 13th A villager, Mohd Khairi Mohd performances by people in colourful Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment Kasim, 38, who brought his family of attire, uniformed bodies and bands as led by Mejar Sani S.Omar. Five five to watch the parade in front of the well as a parade and procession, which hundred students, mostly wearing Balik Pulau district mosque, said: ended with a cultural performance by traditional outfits of the main ethnic "We walked here as we live very members of the Integrated People's groups in Sarawak, then performed the nearby and this is actually the first time Component "Sembah Tari'' to welcome the King, my children got to see the parade," The fine weather added gaiety to the national leaders and the crowd. Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun celebration, which is being held here The National Day celebration began Abdul Rahman Abbas was the guest of for the second time, the first being in with the hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang honour and Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr 1995. Thousands more Malaysians and the rendering of the Negaraku, was also present.