Malaysians gather at Dataran Merdeka for parade

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 by wearing Maw-hawk yellow wigs and small Malaysian flags painted on their cheeks.
Most had come to as early as 8am bringing their families and friends, using various public transports such as the MRT and LRT.
For Vickneswari Ratnam, the Merdeka Day festivity 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 LRT Station Bandaraya, 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 boarding religious schools. It's exciting catching up with each other," the 14-year-old Shafirah laughed when met at LRT Masjid Jamek.
When asked on their opinion on the meaning of Merdeka, Shafirah said:" We learn history at 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.
Norazliza Abidin, 31, said the SEA Games was a good achievement for Malaysia and good timing as well, as the Merdeka celebration is just the next day.
Administrative assistant Siti Marliza Mohtar, 28, who came with her husband and 2-year-old son, said she came from Karak, Pahang to watch the SEA Games.
She said she attended the opening and closing ceremonies and decided to stay back for Merdeka celebration.
Farhan Ismail, 32, who was on duty as a medical assistant officer at Hospital Kuala Lumpur's Emergency Department, said it is a double joy following the SEA Games results and Merdeka day.
He hoped the foreign press, tourists and foreign athletes would join the Merdeka celebration.
As for Malaysians, he hoped we will be united and appreciate what we have today.
Mohd Syaiful Sarip, 31, a warden from the Prisons Department, was one of participants in the "Komponen Rakyat Bersepadu" programme, in which he wore attire similar to that worn by Malaysians in 1957.
He is proud to be chosen to participate in the programme and hoped Malaysians will remember the hardship our older generation went through to achieve independence.
Tourists Frank and Alyson Grenfell from New Zealand described the event as amazing and said everybody seemed to be happy and excited.
Alyson said there was a lot of organising and planning while the dances performed in the event were amazing.