Muhammad akram ghazali with his four daughters visiting Museum Negara.
KUALA LUMPUR: Some took the time to appreciate the cultural diversity of Malaysia, while others want to remember the fallen who gave their lives for the nation.
Some went to soak up the atmosphere of Dataran Merdeka and the nearby Sultan Abdul Samad buildings, while others spent quiet moments at Tugu Negara.
These were among the ways that Malaysians spent the eve of the 66th National Day in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.
“National Day is a time when Malays, Indians, Chinese and all other races come together to celebrate each other,” said civil servant R. Loganathan.
The 39-year-old said he loves mixing with people from different backgrounds in his workplace.
“I love going for lunch breaks with friends from different backgrounds and it truly makes our country beautiful and unique,” said Loganathan when met at the National Museum.
Nearby Dataran Merdeka was filled with families who said that National Day was the best time to go sightseeing around Kuala Lumpur and to appreciate its historical sites.
Dataran Merdeka is also holding a midnight fireworks countdown to usher in Merdeka.
Muhammad Safian Abdullah, 40, and his wife brought their seven-year-old daughter to Dataran Merdeka to take pictures of her in a lovely Merdeka dress.
“We made the Merdeka dress ourselves and we love how she looks in it,” Muhammad Safian said.
Another couple, Ahmad Zahri Muhammad Tar and his wife, were seen taking polaroid pictures of old buildings around Dataran.
“We love taking pictures of the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Masjid Jamek, Pasar Seni and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station,” said the 55-year-old retiree.
“We also love taking pictures of the fireworks during the celebration parade!” he said.
Policeman Muhammad hafiz and his son, who is waving the Jalur gemilang proudly, at the sultan abdul samad building in Kuala Lumpur.
At Tugu Negara, policeman Muhammad Hafiz Abdul Rashid brought his kids to the monument to teach them about those who had fallen while protecting the nation.
“I bring my kids here to make sure they respect the police and soldiers who protect the people in this country everyday.”
Hong Chi Peng, 45, was also at Tugu Negara with his children to pay tribute to his grandparents who suffered the horrors of the Japanese occupation in Malaya from 1941 to 1945.
“My grandparents would always tell me that the Japanese had been very cruel and I should appreciate the freedom we have in the country,” he said.
“I bring my kids here to show them the sacrifices made for the freedom of this country.”
Another visitor Suratman Aris, 55, however, encouraged people to come to Johor and Melaka for National Day as they too have many historical sites to offer.
“Kubu Bentayan in Muar is an excellent site because it was the last fortress where the 8th Sultan of Melaka, Sultan Mahmud Shah planned a counterattack against the Portuguese after they had invaded the city of Melaka (in 1511),” he said.
“There are many historical sites outside Kuala Lumpur one can visit to develop a sense of patriotism.”
Malaysian pride: (Left) Muhammad Akram Ghazali with his four daughters visiting Museum Negara. Policeman Muhammad Hafiz and his son, who is waving the Jalur Gemilang proudly, at the Sultan Abdul Samad building in Kuala Lumpur.
