Merdeka Day celebrated on moderate scale

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians celebrated Merdeka Day on a moderate scale following the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and MH17 tragedies, but the spirit of patriotism was in full bloom at Dataran Merdeka, venue of the traditional celebrations.
The eve of Independence Day (Merdeka Day) did not have the usual entertainment and fire works display, but it did not deter Malaysians from gathering on the stroke of midnight to welcome the country's Independence Day.
Civil servant Ahmad Asyraf Rahim, 27, said he witnessed the true spirit of 'Merdeka' and did not want to miss the opportunity to be at the historical site at the stroke of midnight to welcome Independence Day.
For K. Suraj, 27, he was proud to see Malaysians turn up in droves in and around Dataran Merdeka to usher in the celebrations of Independence Day although the scenario did not include the usual pomp and pageantry.
The Memory Chow Kit Road programme which displayed patriotic songs by local artists provided the right ambience around the shopping arcades of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
A giant screen was also put up in full view of the public to telecast the 57th Independence Day message by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak from Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia Tourism Centre (Matic), at Jalan Ampang, here.
The organisers also invited visitors to pay their last respects to those who perished in the MH17 tragedy on July 17 and flight MH370 which disappeared on March 8.
At the iconic Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC), Malaysians and tourists jointly attended a countdown for the arrival of Independence Day at 12 midnight.
In KUALA TERENGGANU, about 10,000 people gathered at the Gong Badak Sports Complex to welcome Independence Day. At the stroke of 12 midnight, Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman, state exco members and members of the public shouted 'Merdeka' 'Merdeka' 'Merdeka', followed by the National anthem 'Negaraku'.
In BUTTERWORTH, about 5,000 people attended an event to welcome Independence Day at the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) Rest & Recreation area.
In SHAH ALAM, thousands joined the Selangor state level Independence Day celebrations attended by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
Matic become the centre of attention when the prime minister decided to present his 57th Independence Day message which was telecast live on Radio and TV.
The event, organised by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry was attended by cabinet ministers, community leaders, non governmental organisations and student leaders.
Also in attendance was social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, local artists Norman Abdul Halim, Amanda Amani and fashion icon Tengku Muhammad Azwan Shah or better known as Wak Doyok.
Malaysian international footballer Mohd Safee Mohd Sali, Miss Malaysia Universe 2013 Carey Ng and students from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UNIKL) were also present to usher in the historic moment. – Bernama