KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 – The 52nd Merdeka Day celebrations at Parliament Square this Monday will be for 40 minutes with the participation limited to about 8,600 people.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said this year’s celebrations were moderate on account of the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic and to respect the month of Ramadan.
“Although the celebration are moderate, the impact is no less,” he said at a special news conference on the celebrations at the Sultan Abdul Samad Building here today.
He said about 1,600 people including the Yang Dipertuan Agong, the prime minister, his deputy, Cabinet ministers, the Chief Secretary to the Government, the Speakers of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, members of parliament, ambassadors and foreign envoys will be in the square.
Some 6,000 people will form two lines along each side of the road from the Bank Negara roundabout to the gate of Parliament.
“About 1,000 more people will be from the gate to Parliament Square. People can also participate in flag-waving along the road but only until the gate to Parliament,” he said.
Rais said the celebrations this time will have a fly-past by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and a guard-of-honour parade by the Royal Malaysian Police.
“Due to the close confines the celebrations are limited to important elements only like the 1Malaysia show that reflects the work and activities of 1Malaysia through singing and physical movements or cultural exercise,” he said.
Rais said celebration participants will be given nose and mouth masks to prevent the spread of influenza A(H1N1) and people who come to watch are advised to wear masks.
“Media persons on assignment on the day will be provided passes,” he aid.
Given that participation by people was limited due to the size of the location, Rais said the public was urged to be understanding and watch the event live on television.
“We are sad that more people cannot attend the celebrations this time but we must follow health regulations ... it is just that physically they cannot be there,” he said.
Rais said Merdeka thanksgiving prayers for the four main religions, namely, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism will be held on Aug 30.
“For Muslims it will be at the National Mosque; for Christians at the St. John’s Cathedral, Jalan Bukit Nenas; for Buddhists at Wisma Buddhist, Jalan Klang Lama; and Kuil Sri Ramalingeswaran, off Jalan Bangsar for Hindus, he said. – Bernama
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