Shades of patriotism: The ‘human graphics’ performers in formation at the National Day celebration in Putrajaya. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: Apart from the well-loved K9 units, the hypnotising tunes of brass bands, and jets flying over the skies of Dataran Putrajaya, another performance stole the show at this year’s National Day celebration.
Dubbed “human graphics”, the spectacle involved 2,000 students from 50 schools in Selangor who came together to deliver performances including forming iconic phrases such as “Daulat Tuanku”, “Rukun Negara” and “Negaraku”.
One of the highlights was their precise coordination in creating the Jalur Gemilang.
The performance was taken a step further with the inclusion of a choir.
Students belted out a medley of patriotic and folk songs, including Wau Bulan, Dia Datang, and Sayang Kinabalu, before joining national icon Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza in singing this year’s National Day theme song.
Their efforts drew high praise from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who described it as “the best human graphics performance in Malaysia’s history”.
“Fantastic. I am proud of our children. Study well and keep up the effort,” said Anwar, who walked over to the students’ platform to personally convey his appreciation yesterday.
Videos of the performance have since gone viral on social media.
The impressive coordination was the result of weeks of hard work.
Education Ministry official Nor Hapipah Md Shah said the students began training in July, with sessions ramped up in August. She said the performance reflected Malaysia’s diverse cultures.
“The songs sung by the choir represented all ethnic groups – Malay, Chinese, Indian, and also those from Sabah and Sarawak,” said Nor Hapipah from the Arts and Culture Unit of the ministry’s Co-Curricular and Arts Division.
She added that the success would not have been possible without the support of schools and parents.
Selangor Education Department official Nor Fadzilah Rosdi, who also helped coordinate the effort, echoed the sentiment.
“The human graphics and choir performance reflected the commitment of coaches, teachers, schools and parents.
“The end product of their dedication is what the nation witnessed today,” she said.
