Tema hari Merdeka Malaysia 2005

Well, another independence day celebration came and go. Indeed, it was a good day to enjoy one's holiday. But, generally, do all Malaysian perceived that they are really independent?

Malaysia has achieved independence from the colonial master, but do Malaysians are really independent? It depends on one's definition of being independent.

As much as independence of the country is important, I rate being independent in one's own though and action is more important. Not feeling presurized by the ruling government, freedom of speech, as well as after speech, freedom of action (within the accepted rules and regulations) etc.

What is this year's independence day theme? It's still 'KeranaMu Malaysia', but there was an interesting field performance themed "Education: Foundation for Development of Human Capital" comprising pantomime, choral speaking and various creative movements. Hah? They are still talking about education, after 48 years of independence?

Haven't they sorted everything all these past 48 years? Definitely the ruling government has failed their duties to prepare Malaysian properly all these whiles!

So, are we really independent or not?

Interesting links of note:-
Joyous Parade Marks Nation's 48th Anniversary Bash - Bernama News Archive
Malaysians Usher In Merdeka Day With Splendour - Bernama News Archive
Kudos For 48th Independence Day Organiser, Participants - Bernama News Archive


Bernama.com - Malaysian National News Agency

Joyous Parade Marks Nation's 48th Anniversary Bash

General - August 31, 2005 10:50 AM
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia ushered in its 48th Merdeka Day celebrations Wednesday with a dazzling parade with the young taking centre stage, witnessed by a Jalur Gemilang-waving crowd estimated in the hundreds of thousands.

For about three hours, the open area in front of the Palace of Justice on the Boulevard in this federal administrative capital was simply a riot of sounds and colours as some 32,000 participants marched and danced their way along a section of the 4.2km thoroughfare.

Joining the crowd and the country's leaders in Putrajaya were millions of Malaysians of all walks of life from throughout the country who watched a live broadcast of the celebrations themed "Keranamu Malaysia" (For You Malaysia) on television.

The parade started with the arrival of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid in a horse-drawn carriage.

The royal couple were greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

As the Negaraku was played, helicopters flew pass bearing Jalur Gemilang and armed forces' flags, leaving a trail of red, blue and yellow smoke as they disappeared in the blue Putrajaya sky before the King inspected a guard-of-honour.

A choir made up of 2,000 aspiring teachers from teacher-training colleges then performed a perfect rendition of the national anthem at the flag-raising ceremony followed by patriotic songs "Keranamu Malaysia" and "Jalur Gemilang" as 14 cannon firings boomed in the background.

Leading the citation of the Rukun Negara were nine secondary school students, including Fakhrul Radzi Shamsudin, a special student from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Desa Perdana, Kuala Lumpur. This was followed by seven heartfelt shouts of Merdeka.

Garbed in traditional attires of Malaysia's different races, primary school pupils captured the hearts of those present with a lilting delivery of poems titled Bunga Bangsa that touched on the importance of learning and respect for teachers, among others.

Then, 3,220 pupils and students made their entry for an interesting field performance themed "Education: Foundation for Development of Human Capital" comprising pantomime, choral speaking and various creative movements.

These were interspersed with formations depicting the Jalur Gemilang and the logos of the Multimedia Super Corridor and Merdeka Day theme of Keranamu Malaysia.

The performers were accompanied by the raucous sounds of 1,000 drummers and the choir which also served as a vibrant backdrop with their creative hand movements, at times embellished with flags, colour cards and other props.

The sight of some 600 little boys and girls in cute costumes acting out their parts in the pantomime, which related the schooling experience of pre-and post-Merdeka, brought smiles to the faces of their proud parents, teachers and others in the crowd.

The sounds of a brass band and the procession of a giant Jalur Gemilang and state flags by National Service trainees were a prelude to the march-past of close to 50 contingents and the procession of about 15 attractive floats, all representing government, educational and defence institutions as well as the private sector.

The crowd cheered when a contingent which included pre-schoolers took to the streets and they warmly applauded a contingent of 115 Tokoh Guru and Guru Cemerlang as well as one made up of international students studying in Malaysia.

The crowd was also entertained by a series of jaw-dropping manoeuvres by a fleet of Royal Malaysian Air Force fighter jets, criss-crossing the Putrajaya skies to the "oohs" and "aahs" of earth-bound spectators.

And for the first time, Malaysians got the chance to see some 400 members of the elite 10 Para Brigade perform an energetic warrior dance symbolising their commitment to defend the country against any aggressors.

Also on display were various vehicles serving as the backbone of the nation's defence and security.

The march-past was capped by what was called the "Komponen Rakyat Bersepadu" (Integrated People's Component) comprising some 10,000 people from various categories including pre-schoolers, students, government servants, government-linked bodies, private corporations and ethnic group organisations.

The message that came across was unmistakable -- despite their various societal, racial and religious backgrounds, Malaysians are a united people who live in harmony.

The younger ones went on to perform dance moves to the accompaniment of kiddy music like "ABC" and "Anak Itik Tok Wi", much to the delight of the crowd.

Also present at the Boulevard celebration were former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats.

About 900 policemen were on duty to guide traffic and ensure security in and around Putrajaya hosting the national day parade for the second time, the first being in 2003.

In KAPIT (Sarawak), fine weather attracted about 10,000 people from all walks of life to participate and witness the state-level National Day celebrations at the town field.

The Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Mohammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng and Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and state cabinet ministers and their wives were present.

Abang Mohammad Salahuddin and Taib witnessed a 54-contingent parade comprising 2,500 participants showcasing captivating shades and colours.

Kapit's famed Orang Ulu community's 30-member contingent in native attires added pomp and splendour to the National Day parade.

In his speech, Taib said Sarawak was emerging as one of Malaysia's rapidly- developing states due to continued political stability and racial unity.

He said the people were committed to pooling their resources in working for greater development and prosperity.

Cultural performances and a free-fall parachute jump by a 10-member squad from the 10th Para Brigade mesmerised the crowd.

In KUANTAN, the Merdeka Day celebrations were celebrated on a grand scale with 6,000 people from 78 contingents taking part in the parade.

The celebrations started as soon as the Regent of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Tengku Ahmad Shah and his consort Tengku Azizah Sultan Iskandar arrived at Padang Kemunting at 8.30am.

About 20,000 people gathered at the field to watch the colourful event steeped in nationalistic spirit.

-- BERNAMA

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