Merdeka rehearsal at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: After more than two years, The Malaysian Family can finally commemorate National Day 2022 in a large-scale, physical celebration at Dataran Merdeka on Aug 31.
Many must have yearned for the festive atmosphere of past National Day celebrations, witnessing a colourful parade mounted by various contingents featuring floats in themed decorations as well as national and military assets, in addition to musical performances to revitalise the spirit of independence.
After missing the participation of the public for two years, 2022's National Day celebration promises several surprises, including a large number of contingents and assets to entertain the 50,000 visitors expected to throng Dataran Merdeka on Wednesday (Aug 31).
Cultural Arts Development Division, National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director Rosnan Nordin, said they had been entrusted with the responsibility of organising the event and that spectators can expect a whole different approach in terms of content compared to last year's modest celebration due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said JKKN and all relevant agencies will ensure that the event expresses the message behind this year's theme, #KeluargaMalaysia Teguh Bersama (Keluarga Malaysia – Standing Strong Together) as well as reflect the Malaysian Family spirit.
"For this year's event we will bring a variety of different, out-of-the-box and unique elements so that the spirit of independence can be expressed and felt by the people, whether they celebrate the event at Dataran Merdeka or in their living room watching the television," he told Bernama.
The Aug 31 parade begins with the arrival of the country's leaders, who will witness the entrance of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Riíayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah in the Royal carriage.
The Jalur Gemilang fly-past and the 14-gun salute, which is a National Day tradition, will follow.
Rosnan said there will be more contingents performing their march-past this year, involving ministries, uniformed units and the private sectors, bringing the number of participants to 16,000.
The parade segment will be led by bearers of a gigantic Jalur Gemilang, followed by 1,000 participants carrying the Jalur Gemilang and state flags and contingents from 27 ministries.
Bikers on high-powered motorcycles will also march past, followed by the Orang Asal (indigenous people) contingent, national athletes and local figures as well as celebrities on board of vintage cars, accompanied by a marching band.
Contingents from the private sector and government-linked companies will also march past on decorated floats, with a replica of the MEASAT satellite among the star attractions.
Rosnan said nearly 200 units of the country's defence assets will be on display, adding that the assets will be equipped with special cameras to allow the audience to see the inside of the vehicles.
He said the Navy will showcase its assets and the expertise of its officers in handling assets, among many more surprises.
Malaysians will be entertained by a human formation performance as well as a show by local artistes such as Aina Abdul, Alif Satar and Amir Masdi.
The public is advised to come early to Dataran Merdeka and bring the Jalur Gemilang with them to enliven the parade. – Bernama
