Aug 26, 2005
MALAYSIA CELEBRATES 48 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
It is another big and elaborate Merdeka (Independence) commemoration this year as Malaysia celebrates 48 years of independence.
This year's Merdeka Celebration kicked off with Raise the Jalur Gemilang Flag Campaign on 17 August at Danga Bay in Johor. The campaign sparked off a series of festive events throughout the nation before its eventual closing a month later on 16 September 2005 in Jitra, Kedah.
The national level Independence Countdown will be held at Dataran Merdeka from 5pm to 2am midnight on 30 August. A host of activities have been prepared to reflect the national spirit of patriotism, unity in diversity, progress and prosperity. As with previous celebrations, the theme is Keranamu Malaysia (Because of You Malaysia).
Merdeka eve will also be celebrated in a joyous mood at the Konsert Merdeka KLCC 2005 at 9pm on 30 August 2005. The Hon. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will grace the occasion together with other dignitaries.
Popular local artistes, including Akademi Fantasia 3 star Mawi and recording artises like Anuar Zain, Afdlin Shauki, KRU, Norazniza Idris, Zainal Abidin, Amy of Search and Poetic Ammo will perform at the concert which will be broadcast live on the Astro RIA channel and ERA radio network. The organizers are expecting more than 300,000 spectators to join the concert at KLCC in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysian flag will be raised ceremoniously as the clock strikes midnight to announce the commencement of 31 August and Independence Day. The spirit of the moment will be captured in the singing of patriotic songs such as Negaraku, Jalur Gemilang and Keranamu Malaysia. The highlight of the Merdeka eve celebration will be a spectacular fireworks display.
The annual celebrations will not be complete without the pomp and splendour of the traditional procession. On Independence Day itself, the national day parade will take place at Putrajaya Boulevard at 8am in the presence of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Malaysia. The VIPs gracing the occasion are the Hon. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysian cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries.
Those taking part in the march past range from members of the armed forces, uniformed bodies, government departments, agencies and corporate bodies.
Meanwhile, state level processions with a strong local flavour will be held simultaneously at all state capitals and districts nationwide. The festivities will also be observed in many different locations such as shopping complexes, parks, hotels, highways, schools and even factories throughout the country.
An interesting series of events during the month-long celebration is the religious programmes at places of worship in the country. Mosques, temples and churches will hold special ceremonies and prayers for their respective congregations to express their gratitude for peace and prosperity resulting from the country's independence.
In the national capital, Muslims will have a special Friday prayer on independence on 26 August, 12.45pm at the National Mosque with the presence of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Malaysia, the Sultan of Selangor and other dignitaries.
On the same day, Hindus would hold their ceremony at the Sri Kandasamy temple on Jalan Scott at 6 pm
A Buddhist ceremony will be held at the Maha Vihara in Brickfields on 27 August at 8 am while a Bahai function is planned at Wisma Tun Sambanthan at 4 pm.
On Sunday 28 August, a Catholic special mass will be held at the St Mary's Cathedral at 8.30 am, an Evangelical Christian mass at the PGRM Hall, Jalan Pudu at 7.30 pm, a Taoist prayer session at the Chee Choy Kong temple in Kampung Selayang Baru at 7 pm and a Sikh prayer meeting at the Klang Gurdwara at 10.30 am.
On 31 August, Malaysians will come out in full force to celebrate Independence Day and to display the national flag on vehicles and buildings, as a symbol of pride and love for the country.
The closing of Independence Month 2005 in Malaysia will be marked by lively performances at Jitra, Kedah, on 16 September. The highlights of this national level celebration include a procession of colourful floats and performances by leading entertainers.
This year's Merdeka Celebration kicked off with Raise the Jalur Gemilang Flag Campaign on 17 August at Danga Bay in Johor. The campaign sparked off a series of festive events throughout the nation before its eventual closing a month later on 16 September 2005 in Jitra, Kedah.
The national level Independence Countdown will be held at Dataran Merdeka from 5pm to 2am midnight on 30 August. A host of activities have been prepared to reflect the national spirit of patriotism, unity in diversity, progress and prosperity. As with previous celebrations, the theme is Keranamu Malaysia (Because of You Malaysia).
Merdeka eve will also be celebrated in a joyous mood at the Konsert Merdeka KLCC 2005 at 9pm on 30 August 2005. The Hon. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will grace the occasion together with other dignitaries.
Popular local artistes, including Akademi Fantasia 3 star Mawi and recording artises like Anuar Zain, Afdlin Shauki, KRU, Norazniza Idris, Zainal Abidin, Amy of Search and Poetic Ammo will perform at the concert which will be broadcast live on the Astro RIA channel and ERA radio network. The organizers are expecting more than 300,000 spectators to join the concert at KLCC in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysian flag will be raised ceremoniously as the clock strikes midnight to announce the commencement of 31 August and Independence Day. The spirit of the moment will be captured in the singing of patriotic songs such as Negaraku, Jalur Gemilang and Keranamu Malaysia. The highlight of the Merdeka eve celebration will be a spectacular fireworks display.
The annual celebrations will not be complete without the pomp and splendour of the traditional procession. On Independence Day itself, the national day parade will take place at Putrajaya Boulevard at 8am in the presence of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Malaysia. The VIPs gracing the occasion are the Hon. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysian cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries.
Those taking part in the march past range from members of the armed forces, uniformed bodies, government departments, agencies and corporate bodies.
Meanwhile, state level processions with a strong local flavour will be held simultaneously at all state capitals and districts nationwide. The festivities will also be observed in many different locations such as shopping complexes, parks, hotels, highways, schools and even factories throughout the country.
An interesting series of events during the month-long celebration is the religious programmes at places of worship in the country. Mosques, temples and churches will hold special ceremonies and prayers for their respective congregations to express their gratitude for peace and prosperity resulting from the country's independence.
In the national capital, Muslims will have a special Friday prayer on independence on 26 August, 12.45pm at the National Mosque with the presence of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Malaysia, the Sultan of Selangor and other dignitaries.
On the same day, Hindus would hold their ceremony at the Sri Kandasamy temple on Jalan Scott at 6 pm
A Buddhist ceremony will be held at the Maha Vihara in Brickfields on 27 August at 8 am while a Bahai function is planned at Wisma Tun Sambanthan at 4 pm.
On Sunday 28 August, a Catholic special mass will be held at the St Mary's Cathedral at 8.30 am, an Evangelical Christian mass at the PGRM Hall, Jalan Pudu at 7.30 pm, a Taoist prayer session at the Chee Choy Kong temple in Kampung Selayang Baru at 7 pm and a Sikh prayer meeting at the Klang Gurdwara at 10.30 am.
On 31 August, Malaysians will come out in full force to celebrate Independence Day and to display the national flag on vehicles and buildings, as a symbol of pride and love for the country.
The closing of Independence Month 2005 in Malaysia will be marked by lively performances at Jitra, Kedah, on 16 September. The highlights of this national level celebration include a procession of colourful floats and performances by leading entertainers.
ISSUED BY: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia
DATE: 26 August 2005
For more information, please contact Sharon Wong at 03- 2615 8484
or email sharonwong@tourism.gov.my
