[PHOTOS] Malaysia ushers in 66th Merdeka with pomp, pageantry

PUTRAJAYA – Thousands thronged Dataran Putrajaya here today for Malaysia’s 66th National Day celebration, with some securing their spots as early as 1am to snag the best views of the parade that kicked off several hours later.

The event, themed Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope), involved 17,262 participants, 67 contingents, 36 brass bands, 534 land and air assets and 100 animals in service.

The excitement was palpable among all, from dignitaries and leaders to members of the contingents to attendees, who waved their Jalur Gemilang enthusiastically as the event went into full swing. 

As soon as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah took their place at the royal box, five helicopters did a fly-past, accompanied by the national anthem, Negaraku.

His Majesty was then given the royal salute and invited to inspect the guard of honour, mounted by four officers and 103 members of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Major Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Asri.

The beating of drums and three chants of “Malaysia Madani” marked the arrival of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In an ode to Malaysia’s batik heritage, ministers and guests of honour wore special batik attire with motifs such as the hibiscus, the national flower, and Harimau Malaya stripes designed by Kraftangan Malaysia.

The Fire and Rescue Department took pride in a range of its assets and machinery, including antiquated fire engines like the Dennis and Land Rover fire trucks used in the 1950s.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain stole the show at one point as he led the national security contingent, tailed by the Cavalry Unit along with senior officers riding on more than 50 horses of various breeds such as the Arabian, Warmblood and Polo, among others.

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) contingent, the largest one, did not fall short of expectations.

More than 100 advanced military assets from the Army, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) were showcased, including a trailer carrying missiles and cannons and the Gempita and Adnan armoured vehicles.

Fifty assets of the MAF dominated the Putrajaya airspace in a show led by RMAF. Among them were the Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A-18D Hornet and BAE Hawk fighter jets, transport aircraft like the A400M and C130 Hercules, and helicopters belonging to the army and RMN.

Spectators were also wowed by the air formation of 25 helicopters, showcasing the national security forces’ capabilities and preparedness.

The fighter pilots’ astounding stunts during the thrilling air show were also broadcasted live to millions at home via Radio Television Malaysia. 

A special Gegar Madani performance comprising 800 dancers and 600 school children, moving to the beat of 400 drummers of various ethnicities, also revved up the crowd’s energy. 

Towards the end of the event, Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah, known for their warmth and spontaneity among the rakyat, seized the opportunity for a last hurrah with the people before the king’s term as the Agong ends on January 30 next year.

The Vibes’ photographers, NOOREEZA HASHIM, AZLAN HADI ABU BAKAR, SALWA FARHANA ISMAIL, and SYADILA AMARI were there to capture the high-octane event. – The Vibes, August 31, 2023