Festive air marks Malaysia's 52nd Merdeka celebration

Merdeka Celebration 2009 Photo Gallery

Supplement: Merdeka Day Special

KUALA LUMPUR: Although this year's National Day celebration was scaled down, there was a festive air at Parliament square here as around 6,000 people turned up for the event Monday.

Some arrived as early as 6.30am, but only 1,600 people were allowed in, while the rest lined up along the road to the venue, all the way up to Bank Rakyat, waving flags.

The programme included patriotic songs sung by Bakti and armed forces choirs, dances by youth groups, and the recital of the Rukun Negara.

Attending dignitaries included the Prime Minister and wife, ministers, the ambassadors of various countries and armed forces chiefs.

The King and Queen arrived at 8am and left at 8.35am.

Celebrations to mark the country's 52nd Merdeka celebrations were scaled down because of the fasting month and fears over the spread of the A(H1N1) virus.

Many tourist were disappointed that they could not get in, as in previous years, and take part in the traditional parade, which was cancelled this year.

More coming