Tens of thousands turn up to celebrate Merdeka

KUALA LUMPUR: Tens of thousands of Malaysians gathered at the iconic Dataran Merdeka today as they witnessed the parade which stretched up to the Sogo shopping mall, here.
Against the clear blue skies, revellers were spotted with funky hairdos, wearing Maw-hawk yellow wigs and small Malaysian flags painted on their cheeks.
Most had come as early as 8am bringing their families and friends, using public transport such as the MRT and LRT.
For Vickneswari Ratnam, the Merdeka Day festivities meant a triple joy as the family would be taking a long holiday until Monday.
"It's been a non-stop celebration one after another; our athletes did Malaysia proud by garnering 145 gold medals during the SEA Games. I hope they'll continue the momentum in their performance.
"This year's celebration is definitely different. There's a strong sense of unity in sports with supporters witnessing their performance," the 45-year-old teacher said.
Through the packed crowd beside the square up to the Bandaraya LRT Station, some even sold yellow headbands and tooting horns at RM5 and RM3.
"It's definitely more festive this year. People are coming out and willing to spend a bit due to the long holiday," said a food stall seller who wished to be known as Mat.
For school boarders Shafirah Sudin and Shafiqah Ismail, the celebration was a welcome break for sightseeing.
"We are living in different religious boarding schools. It's exciting catching up with each other," the 14-year-old Shafirah laughed when met at the Masjid Jamek LRT station.
When asked on their opinion on the meaning of Merdeka, Shafirah said, "We learn history in school which is one of my favourite subjects. Merdeka is more than just attending the parade or showing support for our athletes who have done their best.
"It's also about excelling in our studies and studying diligently," the Perak lass said.
It is estimated that about 500,000 people had attended the parade.
This year's celebration featured moments showing how the country was built with challenges that were overcome together by Malaysians.
Malaysia's journey under six prime ministers was re-enacted, chapter by chapter, from a newly independent country to one of a developed nation.
In line with the theme of the celebration "Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa" (My Country One Heart One Soul), the spirit of solidarity, understanding and togetherness not only showed on the faces of the country's leaders, but also the participants and the large crowd.
The celebration which began at 8am was attended by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak , Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as well as numerous other leaders in the country.