Putrajaya residents can't wait, urge public to join National Day celebration

PUTRAJAYA - With five days left until the National Day celebration, Putrajaya residents are excited to witness the performances and shows that will take place here on Aug 31.

Civil servant Khairul Nadzrin Khairul Zaman, 33, said he was proud that the federal administrative capital was chosen as the venue, describing it as different from the others and could not wait to see Putrajaya filled with visitors to enliven the annual celebration.

"We in Putrajaya don't feel isolated... in my opinion, this independence day is a benchmark or a trigger for us to continue to maintain national unity despite what is happening in the country with the current situation, the politics that is happening now.

"... with the celebration of National Day, it somewhat puts aside political differences and everyone unites and cooperates in celebrating National Day," he said when he was met witnessing the 2023 National Day Celebration rehearsal at Dataran Putrajaya today.

For Maslinda Abdul Majid, 36, although this is not the first time that Putrajaya will host the celebration, it still has a special meaning given that it was previously celebrated on a moderate scale when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country.

Maslinda who had previously participated in the National Day parade herself through the Ministry of Education contingent last year also encouraged the public to attend, because it could not only expose them to the assets owned by the country but also give an appreciation in instilling the spirit of patriotism in each of them..

Government retiree Halimatun Abdul Karim, 64, was of the opinion that Putrajaya is a suitable location to hold the National Day celebration because its vast area can provide comfort to visitors.

"For me it is good to hold the celebration here because it can reveal what is in Putrajaya. Civil servants who are here and visitors can come and also tourists can see how we celebrate our National Day," she said.

Themed "Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan” (Malaysia Madani: Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope), 10 contingents will participate in the parade Aug 31 which are Nationhood; Malaysia Madani Unity; Economy; Banking; Telecommunications; Creative Industry; Community; National Sports; Wel-being and National Security.

Among the interesting events at the 2023 National Day Celebration are a special Malaysia MADANI performance featuring famous local artists and a special MADANI drum performance.

Other highlights are a precise parachute jumping performance by VAT 69 commandos from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM); a cosplay parade and various mascots of famous characters; a parade of 30 vintage cars carrying 30 people from various races in Malaysia; and a parade of 30 horses from the PDRM Cavalry Unit.

Putrajaya was previously the location of National Day celebration in 2003, 2005, 2018 and 2019. - BERNAMA