PUTRAJAYA: For the first time in history, sign language interpreters accompanied the recital of the Rukun Negara at the National Day celebration.
The group comprised 36 students from the Special Science Teachers’ Education Institute, Cheras campus.
Special education (hearing impairment) lecturer Saiful Azam Khoo Abdullah’s pledge-recital team said the introduction of sign language at large-scale ceremonies such as the National Day celebration opens up the opportunity to expand the language to normal society.
“It opens the community’s minds to learn sign language.
“At the same time, it gives persons with disabilities a chance to understand the message behind Rukun Negara,” he said.
The recital of the Rukun Negara was led by National Defence University student Muhammad Haikal Roslan, who was also a gold medallist of Asian Lawn Bowls Championship.
Clad in a grey songket baju Melayu and tanjak (traditional headgear), Muhammad Haikal recited the pledge, followed by students of the institute and his university peers, who were dressed in diverse traditional attire.
Muhammad Haikal then led the team in shouting “Merdeka” seven times.
