31 | August | 2007 | The "thirteen million plus Ringgit" guy rambles....

Kemerdekaan 50th birthday bash

The parade started as usual, at Dataran Mederka, 830 am, as soon as DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almahrum Sultan Mahmood and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahirah arrived at the usual spot. Waiting were the Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his new wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Minister-in-charge of the Kemerdekaan celebrations Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim and wife, Datin Seri Maznah.

The Cabinet and senior Government servants wore the No.1 ceremonial dress for the joyous occasion. They undoubtedly look dashingly ceremonial and ostentatious.

For the first time, top foreign envoys were present, which include HM Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, President Gloria Macapagal-Aroyo of the Phillipines, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, HRH Brunei Crown Prince Al Muhtadeebillah Bolkiah, HRH Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, representing HM Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali were also present. They received a loud cheer from the public for as a reception for attending the parade.

The usual took place. The Negaraku was sung, Jalur Gemilang hoisted, pledges and the usual Merdeka day special songs were presented, along with the display of cultural and expected parade. The parade were separated in accordance to the era of administration; formative, developing, unification, modernisation and present and dedicated to the five different Prime Ministers served since 50 years ago.

For the first time veterans of independence, Force 136, anti communist terrorists insurgence which include forces from other commonwealth countries, all the ‘Emergency’ era security and police forces and Perikatan political party paraded proudly. The addition of these ‘freedom fighters’ in the parade was undoubtedly an honour for their sacrifice, service and labour of love for this country, of which the fruits we now enjoy.

Malaysians from all walks of life were there to celebrate proudly the nation’s 50th birthday bash. Foreign tourists were also there. Some planned their visit/holiday to attend this landmark celebrations.

This year’s celebrations started at the stroke of midnite, last night where “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka” was proclaimed by the Prime Minister, followed by Negaraku and his usual speech. At least 50,000 people were at the Dataran Merdeka vicinity to enjoy the 50^th Malaysia birthday bash where cultural shows, laser-light show and an ‘explosive’ fireworks display.

To all who had sacrificed, served and contributed immensely all these 50 years, we would like to express our utmost sincere gratitude and appreciation. Its now up to the rest of us to make all of these sacrifice, service and labour of love invested, work.