IT was like flipping the pages of a history book, beginning with the country’s independence on August 31, 1957, the country’s 60-year history was presented in a very special and nostalgic manner at the 2017 National Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka today.

Witnessed by tens of thousands who gathered at the square and broadcasted live by local television stations, this year’s celebration showed how the country was built by overcoming challenges together and power-sharing by the children of Malaysia.

Malaysia’s journey under six prime ministers was re-enacted, chapter by chapter from a newly independent country to one of a developed nation.

The celebration, which began at 8.00am, was attended by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, Prime Minister Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi among other leaders.

The declaration of Independence of Malaya by Tunku Abdul Rahman on August 31, 1957, was reenacted at Dataran Merdeka, allowing participants and spectators to feel as if they were at the stadium on that historic day.

Dataran Merdeka was also transformed back into the year 1957 by featuring life during the era, including the then looks, style and dressing, and vehicles.

The historic shouts of “Merdeka” that roared in the stadium seven times by the Father of Independence was also played-back with the special appearance of Najib clad in a yellow khaki uniform.

A few individuals were specially brought to Dataran Merdeka for this year’s celebration, and they included two retirees of the Royal Malaysian Navy who were tasked to raise the Malaysia flag for the first time, Lt Commander (R) Mohd Sharif Kalam and Warrant Officer 1 Commander (R) Oliver Culvelt Samuel.

Another was Rusnah Aksah, the 12-year-old girl who was tasked to release 101 pigeons at Merdeka Stadium on Sept 16, 1963, in conjunction with the declaration on the formation of Malaysia.

However, at this event, Rusnah, 66, released 60 pigeons to symbolise the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.

Specially invited were also the next-of kin of the country’s freedom fighters which included Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun V.T. Sambanthan, Tun Juggah anak Barieng and Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun.

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, provided 15 giant LED screens along Jalan Raja Laut for the public to watch the performance at Dataran Merdeka.

For the first time, the public were today introduced to the  ‘F Team’, a special unit formed in 1971 to eliminate the communist threat and dissolved in May 1995, through a special performance by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

The 10 minute-performance received a loud applause from spectators. The performance also received a standing ovation by 58 members of the unit present, with a few of them overwhelmed with emotion.

Among the performance that drew loud applause from the crowd were ‘war cry’ and the silent drill by 1,000 personnel of the Defence Ministry.

The parade event comprised 10 main segments, namely, nationhood, civil service, economy, animation, sport, self-identity, public order, national security, air show and integrated society segment.

This year’s Merdeka para also involved the participation of the national athletes, led by Marina Chin as the contingent head of the Malaysian team at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games which ended yesterday with the country topping the medal tally with 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze.

The special animation event attracted children with the appearance of the mascot and main characters in locally produced animations, such as Ejen Ali, Kluang Man and Ummi.

There was also a parade involving about 300 security forces assets.

The assets included various types of vehicles owned by PDRM since 1950, such as high-powered motorcycles, Mitsubishi EVO X car and the Water Can Mercedez Benz Actross used by the Federal Reserves Unit.

The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) contingent comprised 3,300 members who appeared with their latest asset, the 4x4 HMAV known as “Lipan Bara”.

As usual, besides the fly-past, the Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) performed an acrobatic airshow, involving the Sukhoi aircraft.

The Merdeka Day parade involved 18,000 participants, including a group of more than 400 band members from 11 uniformed agencies which accompanied the performances during the four hour-event.

There were also special performances by the various components in the society to reflect the country’s multi-racial community, involving dancers from various government departments, arts and dance institution, non-governmental organisations, art schools and children from Permata Seni Tari.

The event ended at 10.40am. – Bernama, August 31, 2017.