Throughout August, Malaysians come out in full force to
celebrate Independence Day. Many display the national flag on
vehicles, buildings and homes as a symbol of pride and love for the
country.

It is another big and elaborate Merdeka (Independence)
commemoration as Malaysia celebrates 49 years of independence in
2006.

This year's Merdeka Celebration kicked off with the Raise the
Jalur Gemilang Flag Campaign on 17 August in Kuala Terengganu
on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The campaign has sparked
off a series of festive events throughout the nation before its eventual
closing a month later on 16 September 2006.

The national level Independence Countdown (Ambang
Merdeka) at the Kuching River Waterfront in Sarawak from 5pm to
2am midnight on 30 August includes a concert by popular artistes
and cultural performances.

The evening's climax is the premidnight
arrival of the
Merdeka convoy of motorcycles that set off from Kuala Terengganu
on 17 August earlier. Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi will receive the Malaysian flag from the convoy's leader. The
highlight of the Merdeka eve celebration is a spectacular fireworks
display to light up the skies of Kuching.

Merdeka eve will also be celebrated in a joyous mood
throughout the country. 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.

This annual display of patriotism is incomplete without the
pomp and splendour of a traditional procession. On Independence
Day itself, the national day parade will take place in at Padang
Merdeka (Independence Field) in Kuching at 8am in the presence of
Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Malaysia. The main VVIPs
gracing the occasion are the Malaysian premier and cabinet
ministers, foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries.

Among the 15,000 participants in the march past are
members of the armed forces, uniformed bodies, government
departments, agencies and corporate bodies. Three helicopters will
fly overhead as the national flag is raised accompanied by the
national anthem and cannon blasts.

The colourful parade comprises 44 armed forces contingents,
22 marching bands, 17 floats, 15 military vehicles and air force jets
flying overhead.

All the organized activities throughout the country reflect the
national spirit of patriotism, unity in diversity, progress and prosperity.
As with previous national day celebrations, the main theme is
Keranamu Malaysia (Because of You Malaysia). But the specific
overall theme for 2006 will be "Ninth Malaysia Plan Enriches the
People" to remind the people that socioeconomic
development is for
the betterment of everyone in the nation.

For Visit Malaysia Year in 2007, Malaysia has lined up a nonstop
series of nationwide activities as it celebrates the 50 th
anniversary of national independence. The monthly calendar of
events combines a mix of sporting, cultural and shopping
happenings.

On 31 August next year, Malaysia will stage the largest ever
celebration of its independence day. Remember to come and join in
the golden jubilee birthday party of Malaysia's nationhood.

Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 30 August 2006
For further information, please contact (03)26158188
or email: divcommunications@tourism.gov.my