MORE than 100,000 people attended the National Day 2023 celebration at Dataran Putrajaya here today, the first organised by the Unity Government, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said some of the visitors started gathering at the venue after Maghrib prayers last night because they were excited to be a part of the colourful event.

“Some came from Kedah, Perak and even further to witness first-hand this big celebration. This is our (Unity Government) first National Day celebration and the team has worked hard since February,” he told a press conference at the Media Centre after the celebration.

Fahmi, who is chairman of the National Day and Malaysia Day 2023 Celebration Main Committee, expressed satisfaction with the successful organisation of the celebration, especially the smooth dance presentations, parade and aerial display.

He also conveyed his gratitude to all who contributed their energy and ideas to make the historic event a success.

Fahmi said the willingness of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah to mingle with the crowd at the end of the event was the most beautiful memory for him and other attendees.

“The secretariat and I are grateful to Their Majesties for spending time meeting and greeting the people after the celebration although it was unscheduled,” he said.

Earlier, the king and queen spent about an hour exchanging greetings and taking selfies with parade participants and visitors.

Fahmi urged Malaysians to continue flying the Jalur Gemilang and playing patriotic songs until the Malaysia Day celebration on September 16 in Kuching.

Themed “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan”, this year’s National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya saw 17,262 participants, 67 contingents, 36 brass bands, 534 land and air assets, and 100 service animals. – Bernama, August 31, 2023.