KOTA KINABALU: Thousands of people bearing the Jalur Gemilang and state flags thronged the state-level National Day and Sabah Day celebrations along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens here.
An air of unity and patriotism was reflected as crowds from all walks of life cheered the 180 contingents participating in the parade witnessed by Yang DiPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor among other state ministers and senior government officials.
The ceremony began with Juhar inspecting a guard of honour mounted by 103- soldiers from the 22nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Major Mohammad Nursyakirin Noorizhab.
It was followed by a pledge read by representatives of uniformed personnel led by Lieutenant Abdul Rahman Nasushardin from the Royal Malaysian Navy.
A choir performance by Kota Kinabalu City Hall and Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC) preceded the start of the parade led by the army and navy bearing both the Jalur Gemilang and the Sabah flag.
Security forces, uniformed bodies, state ministries, schools and institutions of higher learning (IPT) were among others joining the parade that also saw contingents representing ethnic cultural associations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
Sabah's athletes who won 120 medals including 29 golds participated in the just concluded Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Sarawak, also joined in the parade where crowds applauded them as they walked passed.
The state government marked its first celebration of Sabah Day this year to reflect its independence from British colonial rule on Aug 31, 1963.
