A combined performance by traditional dancers and artistes during the Malaysia Day show.
Hamdan Najehal and his family had made it their mission to attend the 61st Malaysia Day celebrations in Kota Kinabalu but they almost did not make it.
Staying in Labuan, Hamdan must drive to the Sabah capital to do so but they must first take the roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry to make the short trip over water from the offshore financial island to Membakut on the mainland.
“But we almost could not because the ferry was full,” he said, when met at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 16.
“We were told that the best chance was a two-day waiting list and even that was no guarantee.
Hamdan and his family are all smiles after finally making it to the Malaysia Day celebrations at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu.
“This was supposed to be our first large-scale Malaysia Day do so, there is no way we are going to miss it ... we agreed to be on the list,” said the 56-year-old security guard.
Their gamble paid off fortunately as they got a call to be ready to make the one hour 30 minute sail to Sabah two days before the event, a chance that Hamdan, his wife Juliana Sonsry, 51, and their 10-year-old daughter were ever grateful for.
“We’ve attended smaller Malaysia Day ceremonies in Labuan so, when we heard Sabah was going to stage it this year, we decided we must go as a family.
“We may be simple people but that will not stop us from showing our love for our country, even if it’s just by showing up to this celebration,” he said.
Hamdan and his family were among the thousands of Malaysians who flocked to the celebrations held at the historic Padang Merdeka in the Sabah capital with a high sense of pride and jubilation.
Malaysians from all walks of life flocked to Padang Merdeka and were not hampered despite a downpour.
As for Lily Irdayati, she and her family are no strangers to Malaysia Day carnivals, especially past ones hosted by Sabah.But like Hamdan, their burning patriotism and nationalism brought the 44-year-old pharmacy assistant, her husband and four young children to the celebrations once again.
“We want to join the masses in ushering Malaysia Day, an important moment in our country’s existence.
“And we also want to see our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in person, even if it’s just from a distance,” she said.
Asked on her aspirations for Malaysia, Lily said she had high hopes the nation will continue to prosper and for the people of diverse backgrounds to embrace each other’s similarities instead of differences.
Lily (second left, behind) and her family are staunch supporters of Malaysia Day.
“I also hope leaders at both state and national level will fight for the rights of Sabah and Sarawak to be equal with Peninsular Malaysia in terms of the people’s welfare, education, health and infrastructure,” she said.
People had started the bee line to Padang Merdeka at 4.30pm, four hours before the programme proper, to catch the pre-show performances that included local artistes and traditional dances.
Naturally, it was a packed crowd but Emma Nurizmah came prepared.
“It has been raining recently, so I suggested we bring a table and folding chairs to stay comfortable while enjoying the evening’s entertainment,” she said.
Anwar being greeted by the people at Padang Merdeka.
Emma, along with her two children, mother, siblings, nieces, and nephews, enjoyed the festivities in comfort, sharing food and laughter as the celebrations continued into the night.
“I think I made a good decision,” she said.
Despite a sudden downpour, it was truly a night to remember, as the people from all walks of life came together to celebrate a significant occasion in the country’s formation.
