Minority communities honoured to be part of Malaysia Day celebrations in Melaka

MELAKA: Businessman Karpal Singh Chawla ordered a hand-woven kurta suit from a boutique in Kuala Lumpur when he found out that he was selected to be part of the Malaysia Day celebrations in Bandar Hilir here.

The 53-year-old from Semabok here said he felt happy when he got the news that he is among those from the historic city’s minority communities chosen to be part of the celebration held at the

Declaration of Independence Memorial Square here for the first time.

“I am grateful that the organiser of the celebration has chosen me for this meaningful event and it’s an aspiration for my community,” he said when met at the dry-run of the event at Bandar Hilir here on Wednesday (Sept 14).

Karpal said Malaysia Day is just as important as National Day and that both events were significant in the formation of Malaysia.

“The Sikh community has played an important role in policing and defence of the then Malaya as well as the development of the country.

“It’s a great honour for us to be selected for the celebration, ” he said.

Karpal said he had specially ordered the kurta and two turbans, which cost a few hundred ringgit, after he was invited to be one of the participants.

The Baba and Nyonya Association of Malaysia chairman Ronald Gan also thanked the organiser for remembering and inviting the community to be part of the memorable celebration.

He said the Peranakan Chinese’s history dates back to more than 500 years and can be traced back to over seven generations.

“The community is an important component of our society and our legacy is significant with the Malaysia Day celebration,” he said.

Meanwhile, Melaka Yang-Di Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali went for a walkabout to the event site to check on preparation of the celebrations that will take place on Friday (Sept 16).

Workers were busy installing the tents, conducting audio tests while the first rehearsal was also being conducted during the walkabout.

The celebrations will also witness performances from the National Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) and also feature a fashion theme from the 50s and 60s.

There will also be a rendition of 'Bertuah Negaraku’, a dikir barat song, which will be performed by Arjunasukma Academy at the celebrations.

Separately, Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said three roads will be closed for the celebrations this Friday (Sept 16).

He said the roads, namely Jalan Taman, Jalan Kota and Jalan Parameswara will not be accessible to traffic from 6pm to midnight on Friday (Sept 16).

He said 336 police personnel will be on duty to ensure smooth traffic flow during the celebrations.

ACP Christopher Patit added that some 20,000 vehicles are expected to enter the city for the celebrations and parking will be allowed at Menara Taming Sari, Melaka Raya and Pahlawan Walk.

He added that there will be free shuttle bus services from Pulau Melaka to Bandar Hilir on the day.