MALAYSIANS showcased their unwavering enthusiasm at the Penang state-level Malaysia Day 2022 celebration here at Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan.
The flags of the respective states in Malaysia were proudly aligned on both sides of the stage.
The spirit of patriotism was high as guests waved their Jalur Gemilang flags in celebration of the Malaysia Day event.
The auspicious celebration was attended by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife Tan Lean Kee, state executive council members, other state dignitaries, as well as, various Federal and state departments and agencies.
The event began with the singing of the national anthem, ‘Negaraku’ and the state anthem, ‘Untuk Negeri Kita’.
In his speech, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow extended his deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Penang Secretary’s Office (PSUKPP), the Information Department, and the Federal and state departments and agencies involved in making the event a success.
“We celebrate Malaysia Day on Sept 16 each year to commemorate the union of Malaya (Peninsula) with Sabah and Sarawak, resulting in the formation of Malaysia.
“The Penang government celebrates and spreads the festive cheer on this historic day in its own unique way,” Chow said.
He recalled the launching of the state ‘Bulan Kemerdekaan’, followed by the state-level National Day celebration on Aug 31 last month.
“I was informed that the state-level National Day event drew about 20,000 people this year.
“Looking back at the moment of celebration, a total of 84 walking contingents and 26 vehicle contingents from various agencies throughout the state took part. A total of 5,699 participants made the event a success.
“I want to convey my thanks to the contingents and everyone involved for the commitment and support that have been given. Well done and congratulations to all!” he said.
Chow also announced that the state government had agreed to increase the prize value for the parade winners this year.
“The winning team in the respective categories will receive RM3,000 compared to RM1,000 previously; second place is worth RM2,000 compared to RM750 while third place is worth RM1,000 compared to RM500 previously,” he added.
In the opening act, the guests were entertained by a colourful ‘Tarian Malaysia’ dance performance by the Majlis Kebudayaan Pulau Pinang dance troupe.
This was followed by the raising of the national flag and a speech by the Chief Minister.
While the guests were having their meal, various singing and dance performances which included the ‘Tarian Borneo’, were also presented.
Ahmad Fuzi, accompanied by Chow and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang presented the awards to the state-level National Day event parade winners.
The categories and winners were as follows:
School band Category
Champion: IPG Penang Campus
Second: SMJK Jit Sin
Third: Penang Chinese Girls’ High School
Institute of Higher Learning and Training Institute Category
Champion: Health Ministry (Dental) Georgetown
Second: Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Belia Negara Bukit Mertajam
Third: Universiti Sains Malaysia
Private sector Category
Champion: Inland Revenue Board (Bukit Mertajam branch)
Second: Tenaga Nasional Berhad Penang
Third: Employees’ Provident Fund
Public sector Category
Champion: Seberang Perai City Council
Second: Department of Agriculture Penang
Third: Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda)
The Malaysia Day event concluded with a reverberating singing performance of ‘Saya Anak Malaysia’.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis