10,000 gather in Malacca for launch of National Month

The launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2019 was held in a patriotic, lively and colourful gathering of about 10,000 people at Dataran Pahlawan, Bandar Hilir last night.

The historic moment, which was officiated by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by the hoisting of the national flag carried by 10 members of the armed forces.

Also present at the ceremony, which started at 8.45 pm, were Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Malacca Chief Minister Adly Zahari, cabinet ministers and state excos.

The programme continued with a rendition of the song 'Malaysia Bersih,' composed by Muhammad Yuri Mohamed Idris, with the lyrics penned by Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) president and chief executive Anis Yusal Yusoff.

This was followed by a welcoming ceremony performance and the reading of prayers by Melaka Tengah religious officer Mohd Nazri Abdul Majid.

The launch of the event, with a historical hologram, was carried out by Mahathir, before a montage on Independence was screened, followed by pictures of Pakatan Harapan cabinet ministers.

This was then followed by a fireworks display, before the crowd sang the 'Jalur Gemilang' song while waving the national flag.

Mahathir also flagged-off the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KJMG) Expedition 2019, involving 62 vehicles, including 30 high-powered motorcycles, with a total of 133 participants.

The convoy will travel 6,200km, with 62 stops, across the peninsula and to Sabah and Sarawak to symbolise this year's 62nd National Day celebration.

The launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2019 was made merrier with the 'Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih' concert by RTM, featuring artistes such as Ziana Zain, Francesca Peter, Datuk Nash, Wany Hasrita, Haqiem Rusli, Hafiz Suip, Sissy Iman, Kenny Lee, Crystal Ong, Viveck Ji, Dongdang Sayang singers, Kiki Bintang Kecil and Hariz.

Meanwhile, Malacca Polytechnic student T Naveena said she was excited to attend the programme to see Mahathir in person, as the prime minister was her idol and a leader whom she and her father, S Thandayuthapani looked up to highly.

“Usually I can only watch Mahathir on television but tonight, knowing that he will be present at the event, my two friends and I are not going to miss the opportunity to see him in person,” said Naveena, who hails from Butterworth.

Sharing her excitement was Sandra Tai from Melaka Baru, who together with her husband, Yeoh Joo Heng, were at the event to see and listen to the country's number top leader in person.

“He is a person who works very hard for the country until today and we are excited to see him in person,” she said.

- Bernama