PUTRAJAYA: Today's National Day celebrations were festive in spirit, despite being held for the first time amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Themed 'Malaysia Prihatin' (Malaysia Cares), the event unfolded at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, with attendance limited to dignitaries, members of the security forces and related personnel to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), such as physical distancing, set by the Health Ministry.
Participants were required to register their attendance using the MySejahtera application, have their body temperatures recorded and wear face masks, as per Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) regulations.
As crowds were banned, average Malaysians were not permitted to attend or partake in the ceremony - but they witnessed the event live via television and social media platforms.
Agong, Prime Minister
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah arrived at the venue at 8am, after which the National Anthem was played to mark the beginning of the celebration, Bernama reported.
Their Majesties were greeted on arrival by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and his wife, Datin Norlin Shamsul Bahri.
After being escorted to the Dewan Serbaguna Dataran Pahlawan Negara, the Agong delivered the Royal Address - only the second by a Head of State on National Day.
Royal Address
The King's address held extra significance, as it was delivered on the Golden Jubilee of the Rukun Negara.
His Majesty said that the Rukun Negara, which was instituted 50 years ago as the basis of national unity and formation of the country, is not merely to be upheld symbolically each time the pledge is recited on National Day.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said instead, the soul and spirit of the Rukun Negara should be appreciated and practised in all aspects of daily life, Bernama reported.
"The five principles of Rukun Negara form the formula of how Malaysians of various races, religions, cultures and languages can overcome differences and diversity to live in peace and harmony.
"The Rukun Negara also demands a nation-state that is formed on the strength of strong religious beliefs; while the people are required to be loyal to the King who is the umbrella and symbol of the country's sovereignty," he said.
The King added that the core principles outlined in the Rukun Negara are universal in nature, and function as a guide for the leaders and citizens of an independent nation.
"Justice in this country is bound by laws that must be respected and complied with by every citizen, regardless of rank and title," said His Majesty.
Kudos on Covid-19 handling
In his address, Al-Sultan Abdullah also congratulated the government for its efforts to strengthen the country's economy, as well as safeguard the welfare of Malaysians who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Agong also thanked the people for their resilience and determined spirit in facing these difficult times.
His Majesty concluded his address by calling on the people to appreciate and safeguard the country's independence and peace.
"Indeed, peace and harmony in a multiracial society is the backbone of a nation's strength.
"I am confident, if the spirit contained in the Rukun Negara continues to be appreciated and firmly embedded in the soul of every Malaysian, Insya-Allah, our country will continue to remain peaceful and harmonious, and become a strong and prosperous nation, with people that are united," he said.
Parade
The conclusion of the Royal Address kicked off the start of celebrations, which began with a cavalry parade - by personnel from various agencies - which proudly bore the Jalur Gemilang.
The procession, from the Putra Bridge to Dataran Putra, Precinct 1, was led by Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim.
According to Bernama, the national flag was then handed over by Malaysian Armed Forces Equestrian chairman Colonel Norazrin Shamsudin to several flag raisers who hoisted the Jalur Gemilang.
The focus of celebrations then shifted to Dataran Tugu Negara, in Kuala Lumpur, where 66 Covid-19 frontliners recited the Rukun Negara.
Led by Dr Izwan Effendy Zainuddin from the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Health Department, the group comprised personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the Information Department, the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Immigration Department, the Civil Defence Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
New song performance, PDRM
Attention shifted once again, this time to Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, where the new song "Malaysia Prihatin" - composed by RTM Music director Datuk Mokhzani Ismail, with lyrics by El Sol Akhmad - was performed by pop stars Aina Abdul, Siti Sarah Raisuddin, Alif Satar and Syamel in tribute to Covid-19 frontliners.
The performance was followed by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) contingent parade at the Police Training Center (Pulapol) in Kuala Lumpur; and a Jalur Gemilang showcase at Dataran Merdeka.
Capping the celebrations was PDRM's assets executing a flypast above Pulapol; a martial arts demonstration by members of the Federal Reserve Unit; and a display by Marine police.
