Visitors from all over gather to remember the past and hope for the future
BUTTERWORTH: The nation’s cultural diversity was on full display at the Malaysia Day celebration here as the sounds and colours of its many communities delighted those who took part in the many special activities.
The celebration, themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, featured performances, exhibitions and activities that reflected the nation’s harmony and rich artistic heritage.
Among the highlights was Rentak Tradisi Pulau Mutiara, a showcase blending Penang’s iconic art forms namely Joget Joghee, Chinese Opera and Boria, performed by more than 200 dancers from cultural troupes. Other performances included those from Sabah and Sarawak.
Another highlight was national leaders signing the book on the Proclamation of Malaysia, which is kept alternately by the National Archives of the host state, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony at the PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth.
Earlier in the day, exhibitions drew strong interest, with the Penang Library, the largest exhibitor, offering visitors samples of traditional food and biscuits while displaying its archive of old newspapers, featuring editions from 1963, the year Malaysia was formed.
The evening’s event culminated with a fireworks display.
During the launch of the celebration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government’s priority was to develop a society that was rooted in noble values.
“Development must never be measured solely by infrastructure or wealth, but by the humanistic values that guide our people.
Colourful performances: Crowds were entertained by more than 200 dancers from cultural troupes at the Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at the PICCA Convention Centre in Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
“True progress is not just about machines and systems. It is about nurturing people with character, compassion and wisdom to lead the nation forward,” Anwar said.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the decision to host Malaysia Day in Penang reflected the government’s aspiration for celebrations to be “more inclusive and nationwide, spanning the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak”.
“Penang proves that unity is not just a slogan but a lived practice, attracting tourists and participants of the Malaysia My Second Home Programme.
“Even as Penang advances as a digital and technology hub, it continues to preserve colonial architecture, traditional homes and history,” he said.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg also conveyed their wishes and messages through video recordings, calling for unity and patriotism among the people.
Also present at the event were Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Teacher Nurul Aisyah Mohd Zaki, 28, travelled all the way from Alor Setar with her students so that they could experience the celebration together.
“I wanted them to experience how Malaysia’s history comes alive through exhibitions and performances. Seeing different cultures on one stage reminds us that Malaysia’s strength is in our diversity,” she said.
IT consultant S. Kuganraj, 35, from Butterworth, said the performances reflected the harmony among the different races.
“Watching Joget, Chinese Opera and Boria blend together showed that Malaysia stands in harmony despite our differences.
“Events like this remind us that we must continue to respect and celebrate each other’s traditions,” he said.
For businesswoman Chan Mei Ling, 42, from Ipoh, Perak, she hopes the country will continue to prosper and move forward.
“It was special to see old newspapers from 1963 as they taught us about our humble beginnings. Malaysia Day is not just about the past but about what we want to build for the next generation,” she said.
