KUALA LUMPUR: The 64th National Day was celebrated in full patriotic spirit, albeit moderately, in keeping with the new normal for the second year running since the country was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic early last year.

       In Putrajaya, the celebration was held at Dataran Pahlawan Negara in a hybrid manner, featuring patriotic elements in the spirit of the Malaysian Family, and in full compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP).

       With the arrival of guests, including Cabinet ministers, with various patriotic songs played in the background, a “Malaysian Family” video clip featuring lyrics created by Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa was also screened.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his wife Datin Seri Muhaini Zainal Abidin joined the celebration themed “Malaysia Prihatin” virtually, as he is still undergoing self-quarantine since Monday after being confirmed as a close contact of a Covid-19 patient.

       The celebration started at 8am with three members of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) raising the Jalur Gemilang, accompanied by a rendition of the national anthem.

       This was followed by the reading of the Rukun Negara and then the shouts of “Merdeka” by representatives from the various frontline agencies and departments.

       The celebration continued with a Malaysian Armed Forces drumline performance involving 60 personnel.

       The performance was followed by a silent march by 60 RMN personnel and then a band performance by other uniformed bodies, involving 80 members from various government agencies.

       The highlight of the National Day 2021 celebration was the air show by RMAF, with the formation of jet fighters such as Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A18D Hornet and the BaE Hawk 108.

       There in spirit: Ismail and his wife Muhaini watching the live telecast as members of the Royal Malaysian Navy take part in the 64th National Day celebrations at National Heroes Square in Putrajaya. — AFP

       In KUANTAN, the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah attended the state-level 2021 National Day Celebration Ceremony which took place at the compound of the Kuantan City Council.

       The celebration was held in a moderate manner and aired on the state government’s official Facebook account to enable the people to participate online.

       In SEREMBAN, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir and Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud consented to attend the state-level 2021 National Day Celebration held moderately at the compound of Wisma Negeri.

       The half-an-hour ceremony started with the Rukun Negara pledge headed by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun followed by a ceremony to raise the Jalur Gemilang accompanied by the national anthem.

       In KOTA KINABALU, the National Day celebration was held on a small scale for about an hour to comply with the SOP.

       Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor expressed his appreciation to state frontliners through a memento containing his special quotes to express his thanks to them for their service during the pandemic.

       In KUALA LUMPUR, people were seen observing a healthy lifestyle by cycling and jogging around Dataran Merdeka from as early as 7.30am.

       They adhered to the set SOP, with the location controlled well by the police and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

       In KOTA BARU, various initiatives were carried out by the public to celebrate the National Day, including carrying the Jalur Gemilang while cycling to express their patriotic spirit.

       Many residents, especially the younger generation, cycled around the town area while waving the Jalur Gemilang.

       In PENANG, the state Information Department held a Merdeka@Komuniti programme and gave away flags, food baskets and gifts to the local community in the Seberang Perai Tengah district, including vaccine recipients, in conjunction with the National Day celebration at the Vangohh Hotel vaccination centre.

       In JOHOR BARU, 50 people took part in the ‘Merdeka @ Komuniti’ car convoy to wave the Jalur Gemilang in Mersing. The programme organised by the Mersing Information Department was launched by Endau assemblyman Alwiyah Talib at Kembara Square, Kampung Seri Lalang.

       In SHAH ALAM, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari in his 2021 National Day Address said it was important for the younger generation to understand, delve into and appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of previous generations in preserving the national identity.

       In IPOH, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad in his message posted on the Information Department’s Facebook said keeping alive the patriotic spirit during the pandemic was an important criteria in the building of a nation that remains peaceful and continues to be progressive. — Bernama