PUTRAJAYA: There may not be a National Day parade this year, but the lights will still shine bright in Malaysia’s administrative capital.

       Its famous landmarks – like the Perdana Putra building, Seri Wawasan and Seri Saujana bridges and the Putrajaya Lake fountain, are illuminated at night in blue, yellow and red – the colours of the Malaysia flag – in celebration of the country’s 64th National Day on Aug 31.

       This has been the scene every night (from 7pm to midnight) since Aug 7 and will remain till Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

       Civil servant Airene Alang, 35, said that the Covid-19 pandemic has hindered the ability to express patriotism, “but gazing at the Perdana Putra building all lit up in the colours of the Malaysian flag evokes a feeling of patriotism and eagerness to celebrate National Day.

       “I’ll miss the colourful parade and airshow, especially the formation by the fighter jets,” said Airene, who stays in Precinct 18.

       Siti Paridah Busairi, 34, said she is captivated by the colours of the Jalur Gemilang on the Seri Wawasan Bridge.

       “To some extent, the decorative lights evoke the spirit of patriotism for whoever sees it.

       “We need to be grateful as Malaysians, because even though we are being tested with the pandemic, we are still able to live in peace and harmony,” she said.

       On the meaning of independence, Siti Paridah said the pandemic has taught her to appreciate her freedom.

       “Prior to this, we took for granted the freedom to move around like going shopping, spending time with family, hanging out with friends at restaurants and travelling.

       “Now, being confined for a long time at home, makes the meaning of freedom that much more meaningful to me,” she said.

       Putrajaya Corp (PPj) president Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain said the four famous landmarks were being lit up under a special National Day and Malaysia Day programme.

       Aside from these landmarks, several other government and private buildings in Putrajaya are also being illuminated with external and indoor lighting to liven up the National Month celebration, he said.

       He said 31 buildings – including several ministries, the Palace of Justice and Dorsett Hotel Putrajaya – are being illuminated with warm white lights, while the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department in Precinct 3 are being illuminated with internal lights. —Bernama