Independence Day or fondly known to Malaysians as Hari Merdeka is a national day of Malaysia commemorating the Federation Of Malaya independence from British rule on 31st August 1957. This is celebrated each year.
This day is not to be confused with Malaysia Day which is the formation of the Federation of Malaysia which includes Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya to form MALAYSIA. This day is celebrated on 16th September 1963.
Our King and his consort
The nationwide Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) celebration is still held on 31st August that is the original independence date of Malaya, while Malaysia Day has been included as a public holiday since 2010. This year though, 31st august falls on the second Eid which is rather impossible for the country to celebrate the Independence Day when most Malaysians are busy with the Eid celebration, the country decided to celebrate it on Malaysia Day instead.
Thousands of Malaysians thronged the Independence Square or Dataran Merdeka to celebrate the 54th Independence Day and 48th Malaysia Day
The drum line troupes made their way in front of the main stage and played beautiful beats while groups of dancers showed various modern and traditional dances. It was a sight to behold
Members of my contingent with our cutie 'Tiger' mascot
with some of the King's man
with one of Malaysian's heartthrob - Shaheizy Sam
doing my bit with the whistle giving the cue for my contingent to move
Patriotism was in the air
A very interesting contingent - Generasi Muda Kreatif with 3 local artists heading the contingent
A full dressed dancer from Sarawak
Thousands of Malaysians turned up as early as 6.30am to join in the 54th Independence and 48th Malaysia Day celebrations
getting ready for our turn to walk pass the King with all smiles and rigour
with Malek Abd Majid as the leader of the pack
The Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib
Our uniform for the big day
Goofing around on our way back to base
3 divas!
One Nation Fitness Club with Ketua Pengarah, Kementerian Belia & Sukan Malaysia
Everyone cheered and was enthralled to see the march past especially the uniformed contingents
Its fun to see so many people when all of them look happy and proud to be Malaysians
Our Prime Minister saluting to the National Anthem
Our contingent - Generasi Muda Malaysi Cergas was given the honour to bethe first contingent to walk past the King
Families, teenagers and all walks of life were seen waving our flag - the Jalur Gemilang!
Parents took the opportunity to bring their children to the celebration to teach them the spirit of 1Malaysia and the essence of patriotism
Selamat Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia !!
note : photos courtesy of Alan Chin - www.alancwl.com
Thank you Alan for the lovely pictures and i have added some of my personal collections too
