Full rehearsal goes smoothly

KUALA LUMPUR: This year's Merdeka celebrations will be held in a smaller scale than in the past but they will be no less meaningful and are expected to leave a deep impression as per its theme "Malaysia Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta" (Malaysia, Where a Love is Born).
The theme was taken from the patriotic song, Warisan, made popular by the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad which seeks to instil and express love for the country.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the theme bears a deep meaning and hoped the 57th independence day celebration would instil strong feelings and love for the country among the rakyat.
He said Malaysians can show their patriotic spirit by hoisting the Jalur Gemilang on their vehicles.
Some 14,220 schoolchildren, students from institutions of higher learning, employees of both the public and private sector besides the armed forces will participate in events lined up at Dataran Merdeka on Sunday.
Highlights of this year's celebration will include the appearance of Commando VAT 69 and a 15-minute animation of Upin & Ipin to be shown on the large LED screen at the Dataran.
"As the country grieves over the two Malaysia Airlines tragedies, we need to stand strong, firm and united to move forward in peace and harmony, and to uphold the spirit of independence," said Ahmad Shabery today at the dress rehearsal, which went on smoothly.