SOME 20,000 people from all walks of life have thronged the Batu Kawan Stadium to witness the state-level national day parade to commemorate Malaysia’s 66th year of independence today.
The theme of the National Day celebration this year is ‘Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan’ (Determination in Unity, Fulfiling Hope).
The public started to gather around the stadium as early as 7.30am, to grab the perfect spot to witness the meaningful event.
The state-level national day parade started around 8.30am, after the arrival of Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor.
Earlier, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang arrived with his wife Datin Teoh Hooi Tuang at around 8.10am followed by the arrival of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife Tan Lean Kee at 8.20am.
Spectators were in awe when they witnessed a colourful parade mounted by various contingents featuring floats in themed decorations as well as military assets (vehicles). There were also various musical performances to revitalise the spirit of independence.
It is learnt there are a total of 117 contingents participated in the parade this year involving state agencies, uniformed units and the private sector, bringing the number of participants to 8,977.
Apart from that, there were also 17 booths from various enforcement agencies set up to attract visitors.
Chow, in his special message for the National Day celebration this year, has urged all parties regardless of political views to stop using the 3R issues (Race, Religion and Royalty) to divide the people.
“Please stop any provocation, avoid making confrontational statements using religious and racial sentiments or spreading false information, especially on social media, that could lead to disunity among people of different races,” he said.
He also urged all parties to focus on unity in honour of the National Day celebration.
He said that this is because, without unity, the people can’t achieve stability, prosperity and continuous progress.
Chow added that the National Day celebration this year is special due to the formation of the unity government in Penang.
“With the new mandate given to the unity government, the newly appointed state executive councillors and newly elected state assemblymen are now ready to set a new direction for the state to ensure the wellbeing of the people and further the state’s economic growth,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi