Prosperous occasion: The contingent included, among others, performances of traditional kompang, drums, dragon and lion dances, Bhangra and Bajau horse warrior processions during the celebration at Dataran Putrajaya.
PUTRAJAYA: Lion dance, Chingay performances, multiracial drum ensembles and a procession of Bajau horse warriors were a hit with Malaysians at this year’s National Day parade, where, for the first time, it featured multicultural performances from different races and sub-ethnic groups.
Coordinated by the National Unity Minister, the Malaysia Madani Community Contingent highlighted Malaysia’s diverse ethnicities, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Punjabi, Orang Asli, Siamese, Chetty, Baba Nyonya, as well as sub-ethnic groups from Sabah and Sarawak.
With the participation of over 800 people, the contingent also included performances of traditional kompang, drums, dragon and lion dances, Bhangra and Bajau horse warrior processions.
The Chingay procession was a stunning display of balancing a giant flag on a pole.
There were vibrant lion and dragon dances, while 10 Bajau horses made their National Day debut this year.
During an interview with The Star on Thursday, Lion and Dragon Dances Federation Malaysia general secretary Ching Xiao Fong said it was an honour to have the Chingay procession in the National Day parade for the first time.
“Chingay holds great cultural significance in Penang and Johor, and to have the recognition to perform at Dataran Putrajaya is truly moving.
“As a participant in the parade, I feel included as a Malaysian, not just as a Chinese,” she said.
The diversity of Malaysians continued to be showcased through the Malaysia Madani Jiwa Merdeka performance by the Cultural and Arts Department.
With a group of 500 people comprising the department and students from the Education Ministry, which formed the ‘human graphic’, the performance combined music and dances of the different races in Malaysia.
The grand medley featured traditional Malay Zapin dance from Johor, Indian dance, Sarawak’s Bekikis Bulu Betis, and even a Chinese pop song.
The energetic performance by the group was joined by the spectators who clapped along with the music.
The group also performed a contemporary dance segment titled Cuci Rasuah to symbolise the eradication of corruption.
Armed with mops, brooms and rubbish bins to symbolise the act of cleaning, performers wearing bright orange and black uniforms moved in unison.
Traditional Indian dance teacher Lawrence Sackris, who was a part of the contingent, said he was proud to have his dance team chosen to participate in the parade.
“This is our third time participating, and every year my students always look forward to the Merdeka parade,” he said, adding that it took them two months of practice.
