Witnessed by tens of thousands of people who gathered at the square, this year’s celebration featured key moments in the country’s journey to overcome challenges and the sharing of power by the children of Malaysia.
Malaysia’s journey under six prime ministers was re-enacted, chapter by chapter, from a newly independent country to a developed nation.
In line with the theme of the celebration “Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa” (My Country One Heart One soul), the spirit of solidarity, understanding and togetherness not only showed on the faces of the country leaders, but also in the participants and the large crowd that had gathered since 6am.
The celebration which began at 8am was attended by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, Prime Minister Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as well as leaders from various backgrounds in the country.
The events at the Merdeka Stadium, which witnessed the declaration of Independence of Malaya by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on Aug 31, 1957, was re-enacted at Dataran Merdeka, allowing participants and spectators to feel as if they were at the stadium on that historic day.
Dataran Merdeka was also taken back to the year 1957 through the featuring of life during the era in terms of look, style, dressing and vehicles.
The historic shouts of “Merdeka” that filled the stadium then were also played back with a special appearance by Najib, dressed in a special yellow khaki uniform.
A few individuals were specially brought to Dataran Merdeka for this year’s celebration, including two retirees of the Royal Malaysian Navy who had been tasked with raising the Malaysian flag for the first time, Lt Commander (Rtd) Mohd Sharif Kalam and Warrant Officer 1 Commander (Rtd) Oliver Culvelt Samuel.
Another was Rusnah Aksah, the 12-year-old girl who was tasked with releasing 101 pigeons at Merdeka Stadium on Sept 16, 1963, in conjunction with the declaration of the formation of Malaysia.
At this event, Rusnah, now 66, released 60 pigeons to symbolise the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.