Merdeka celebration in KL, Malaysia Day in Sarawak
People take part in Merdeka Day celebrations in Bukit Jalil, August 31, 2010. — File picKUALA LUMPUR, June 25 — The country’s 55th Merdeka (Independence) Day celebrations themed “Janji Ditepati (Promises Kept)” will be hosted by Kuala Lumpur on August 31 while the Malaysia Day celebrations will be held in Sarawak on September 16.
Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said this year, the country’s Merdeka celebrations will involve more youths and spontaneous participation from the public.
A Merdeka Day parade will be held at Dataran Merdeka while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will deliver Merdeka and Malaysia Day messages to the people at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
“I am confident that the Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations will be more spectacular this year, the only difference is that we will head to Sarawak on September 16,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after chairing the 55th Merdeka Day Celebration’s Main Organising Committee’s meeting, Rais said Bintulu was proposed as the location for the Malaysia Day celebrations but no final decision has been made.
He said both celebrations will begin on July 11, starting with a Malaysia Book of Records programme, as well as youth programmes by the Youth and Sports Ministry at the Petronas Twin Towers here on July 15.
On July 17, the prime minister, deputy prime minister and leaders from the Chinese community will simultaneously launch the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) waving programme in Brickfields, Kampung Baru and Jalan Petaling respectively, he said.
During the month of Ramadan, he said similar programmes with religious elements will be carried out for the Muslim community.
Rais urged all quarters to put aside political differences to ensure the success of the national celebrations.
“Leaders need to play a role with support from the people so that the Jalur Gemilang is up at every home, shop, mall and office. This is the time to show the world our patriotism by flying our flag,” he added. — Bernama
