Historic moments of 1957 dominate 2017 National Day celebration

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia today commemorated its National Day anniversary with a reminiscence of historic moments when the nation achieved its independence 60 years ago.
A series of re-enactments on the history of the country - from the colonial era until the formation of Malaysia - was a show stealer for more than 50,000 high-spirited Malaysians attending the parade in Dataran Merdeka.
The re-enactment performance kicked off with a group of participants clad in pre-independence attire to portray the nation's history during the tumultuous communist insurgency era.
This was then followed by a vintage car procession - with actors portraying the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman - to mark the independence declaration event six decades ago.
The event where the Union Jack flag was lowered during the eve of independence was also replayed, participated by the heirs of the country's founding fathers.
This was later followed by a re-enactment of the declaration on the formation of Malaysia, when Sabah and Sarawak decided to join the Federation of Malaya on Sept 16, 1963.
Interestingly, the event featured the release of pigeons by Rusnah Aksah, who had played the same role during the celebration to mark the formation of Malaysia years ago.
Another show that took Malaysians down memory lane was during the raising of the Jalur Gemilang, participated by octogenarians from the navy, Lieutenant Commander (R) Mohd Sarif Kalam and Warrant Officer 1 (R), Oliver Culvert Samuel - the same flag raisers during the independence celebration 60 years ago.
The crowd then sang the national anthem, Negaraku followed by a 14-gun salute representing the states in the country by the Royal Artillery Regiment.
All eyes were on the main stage when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak lead the shouts of "Merdeka" for seven times, which were followed by thousands of Malaysians.
The National Day parade was also graced by the presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, who arrived at Dataran Merdeka at 8am.
The occasion was also joined by Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and other senior government officials.
The spectators were also entertained by a Journey of Malaysia video, where it showcased Malaysia's development since independence.
It was followed by field performance on "Ops Tapah" – a mission initiated by the police to eradicate the communist movement in the pre-independence era.
The National Day parade and procession then proceeded with eight performance segments namely nationality, unity, animation and creative industry, Sea Games and Para Asean (KL2017) athletes, National Transformation 2050 (TN50), public order, national security, and integrity.
A crowd puller were the assets showcased by the police, which included their Kawasaki GTR 1400 P and Honda ST 1300 P motorcycles used by the traffic division and the latest Army, Air Force, and Navy assets, including armoured personnel carriers and howitzers.
The national Sea Games 2017 contingent, led by national cyclist Azizulhasni Awang took the audience by surprise when they made their way into the parade.
The crowd was also treated with an airshow performed by the Royal Malaysian Airforce (RMAF) fly formation which this time featured four Hawk aircraft, four F/A 18Ds, and four Sukhoi SU 30 MKM fighter jets.
The ceremony concluded with the tune of the national anthem, and the final cheers of Merdeka, as Sultan Muhammad V left Dataran Merdeka, followed by Najib and his wife.
Some 18,000 participants took part in the colourful, vibrant parade comprising those from both the public and private sectors.
This year's celebration retained last year's theme of "Negaraku: Sehati, Sejiwa" (My Nation: One heart, One soul).