KUALA LUMPUR: People across the country gathered for parades to mark the 56th Merdeka Day in the spirit of patriotism and love for the country, and honouring the sacrifices made by the security forces.
Spectators headed for public gatherings in the capital, state capitals and major towns to witness the celebration themed "Malaysiaku Berdaulat: Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku" (My Sovereign Malaysia. My Homeland).
In Kuala Lumpur, thousands of people and tourists thronged Merdeka Square as early as 7am to witness the Merdeka Day parade which started shortly after the arrival of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah at 8am.
The royal couple were greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife, Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman.
Tuanku Abdul Halim took a salute and inspected a parade mounted by four officers and 103 men from the first battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment based in Sungai Besi led by Major Mohamad Abdullah.
This was followed by the rendition of 'Negaraku' and the hoisting of the 'Jalur Gemilang' accompanied by a 14-gun salute symbolising 14 states (including the Federal Territories) in Malaysia by the Royal Artillery Regiment.
The prime minister hoped the patriotic spirit shown would be instilled among the people, particularly the younger generation in an effort to take the country to the pinnacle of success in the march towards a developed nation.
Najib commended contingents taking part in the parade, particularly the security forces.
He said the sacrifices made by the security forces in defending the country against the Sulu armed intrusion in Lahad Datu had soared the spirit of patriotism and love for the country among Malaysians.
"This is our hope, renewing the patriotic spirit in our hearts as Malaysians who love this country," he said.
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