Unity takes the lead at Malaysia Day events

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians came out to celebrate Malaysia Day, holding parades and various sports activities to commemorate the nat­ional event.

In Labuan, where the national-level 55th Malaysia Day celebration was held last night, a parade was held in the morning.

A total of 119 contingents took part in the state-level parade at the Dataran Labuan here from 7am.

The parade from Jalan Merdeka to Dataran Labuan involved more than 2,000 participants.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad, in his speech at the event, said the celebration should not focus merely on enjoyment, but also on the importance of enhancing awareness and the spirit of patriotism to preserve the country’s independence.

“Today, we must admit and accept the fact that a New Malaysia is moving forward to regain the glory of the country and ensure that it is on track in driving its economy.

“The time has come for us to strengthen unity, set aside the differences and help the government be on the right and stable economic platform,” he said.

In Kota Baru, 69 contingents gathered at the Sultan Muham­mad IV Stadium for the state-level celebration led by members of the 21st Royal Malay Regiment.

In Shah Alam, more than 1,000 participants took part in the GCE Duathlon 2018 along the Guthrie Corridor Expressway.

In Tawau, Kalabakan MP Ma’a­mun Sulaiman flagged off a night run event with 261 participants.

In Kulai, FGV Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Zakaria Arshad and National Felda Settlers Children’s Association president Mazlan Ali­man took time off to meet participants of a dirt bike racing event in Felda Bukit Ramun.