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Malaysians embrace unity spirit

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KUALA LUMPUR: IT was a sight to behold as Malaysians from all walks of life flocked to Dataran Merdeka and its surrounding areas yesterday to celebrate the country’s 57th Merdeka Day.

This year’s celebration, themed “Malaysia…Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta” (Malaysia: Here, Where Love Begins), is still a meaningful one despite it being kept low key out of respect for the victims of the MH370 and MH17 tragedies.

More than 100,000 thronged the area as early as 8am to watch the Merdeka parade.

For student Ahmad Amsyar Ahmad Effendy, this was the best birthday present he ever had as he pledged to uphold the Rukun Negara in front of the Yang-Di Pertuan Agong and thousands of Malaysians there.

“I am very proud and can’t even explain my happiness when I shouted ‘Merdeka’ in front of the sea of people here. This is the best birthday ever,” said Amsyar who turned 16.

Amsya, the eldest of two siblings, said he took about several hours a day to practise and memorise the pledge to ensure a smooth reading.

“I was really excited and nervous when my teacher informed me that I had been selected as the key person to read the pledge several weeks ago.

“I attended a week-long audition organised by the Education Department before being selected as the reader,” said the student of SMK Sultan Alam Shah Putrajaya.

Meanwhile, spotted mingling among the locals were tourists and expatriates who came to witness the parade.

A Russian expatriate Julia Ladyguina, 38, said she was amazed with the spirit of unity and togetherness shown by Malaysians.

“I was very excited when I saw Malaysians, some of them donning traditional outfits, joining hands and celebrating this meaningful event,” she said.

Julia, clad in a salwar kameez (a Punjabi outfit) said it was important for Malaysians to remain united in the face of challenges that involved the national sovereignty.

“Malaysian cultures are very unique and the people, despite their religious and culture differences, can still live in harmony.

“I hope Malaysians will stay strong and united despite the two recent Malaysia Airlines tragedies.”

-NST

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