The good old days: People dressed up in Malaysian fashion from the 50s and 60s enjoying the day. (Bottom) Sarawak Cultural Village dancers wishing everyone a happy Malaysia Day. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS and ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
MELAKA: The past came alive in historic Melaka when crowds of Malaysians dressed in their traditional finery from the 1950s and 1960s came to take part in the 59th Malaysia Day celebrations.
It was almost as if Malaysia was transported back to the day when Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj announced the country’s independence on Feb 20, 1956.
Local and foreign visitors alike, who had started to pack the Declaration of Independence Memorial Square in Banda Hilir since 4pm along with their family members and friends, seemed excited and were looking forward to the celebrations.
Many kept to the theme of the day, the Malaysian fashion of the 50s and 60s era, and were wearing multi-ethnic traditional costumes.
Some of those who attended the event were dressed in baju melayu and Nyonya kebaya, among others, complete with traditional fashion accessories.
State Commercial Crime chief Supt E. Sundra Rajan surprised police officers stationed at a nearby roadblock by arriving dressed in a traditional dhoti and jippa.
Supt Sundra said he bought the attire some time ago and only used it once during this year’s Police Day celebrations in Jasin.
“This is the second time I’m wearing it for an official event,” he said.
This is also the first time Malaysia Day is being celebrated outside of Sabah and Sarawak.
The celebrations began with the arrival of the guest of honour, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, on a rickshaw, followed by a visual presentation about the history of Malaysia’s formation, featuring veteran actor Shaharudin Tamby as the narrator.
Other interesting programmes lined up for the night were the symbolic signing of the proclamation book as well as theatrical and musical performances.
Popular singers like Datuk Nash and Ernie Zakri performed alongside cultural artistes, while the highlight of the night was a colourful fireworks display.
The celebration also saw the Rukun Negara being read by Melaka’s Tokoh Guru 2021 Ab Rani Embi, accompanied by 14 individuals representing various ethnicities, including representatives from the local Portuguese Settlement and Kampung Chetti.
There was also a signing of a special book by Sabah, Sarawak and Federal Government representatives.
The book was brought to the event by delegates from Sabah, led by Razali Dait.
During the celebration, the Malaysian Royal Navy paraded and raised the Jalur Gemilang.
There was also a special performance titled Dari Roboh Kota Melaka, Kita Dirikan Negara Merdeka.
One of the segments showcased the legendary warrior Datu Mat Salleh of Sarawak.
There was also Dondang Sayang Merdeka was also belted along with a joget performance.
Earlier, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said the celebration was a very meaningful one as the state had been selected as the first host outside of Sabah and Sarawak.
He said the state prepared shuttle bus services from various points to ferry those attending the celebration.
The celebration, he said, would strengthen Melaka’s aspiration for harmonious living among the locals.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who was at the celebration, said the event helped to promote the nation’s multiculturalism while elevating Melaka as a top tourist destination.
She said the celebration this year had witnessed an overwhelming response.
“I am also amazed at the crowd who turned up early to witness the celebration,” she said.
