PUTRAJAYA: In the spirit of inclusivity, the recital of the Rukun Negara at the National Day 2023 celebration included sign language for the first time.
A total of 36 students from the Special Science Teachers Education Institute Campus, Cheras were on hand to provide the sign language reading while it was recited by Asian Games bowls gold medalist Muhammad Haikal Roslan.
Muhammad Haikal, who is also a student at the National Defense University Malaysia, led thousands of Malaysians attending the celebration in reciting the pledge.
He then led the crowd in shouting "Merdeka" seven times.
The national anthem, “Negaraku”, was earlier sung at 8.15am, marking the start of the day’s line-up of exciting activities and shows accompanied by 14-gun salutes representing the states and territories in Malaysia.
This year’s National Day is themed “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope)".
Around 100,000 Malaysians are expected to witness the parade.
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