IPOH: About 50,000 people attended the state-level 67th National Day celebrations in front of the Ipoh Town Hall.
Attendees arrived as early as 5am to secure the best spot to watch the parade.
About 600 people from 108 contingents, including state agencies, private entities, non-governmental organisations, learning institutions and school marching bands, participated in the event.
Gracing the event was Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, along with Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Idris Shah and Raja Puan Muda Perak Tunku Soraya Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, the state executive council members, representatives and department heads were also present.
In his speech, Saarani called on the people to instil a sense of gratitude by appreciating the blessings of peace in the country.
“Although there are times when we are tested by issues on which we may disagree, let us never allow the harmony of our country to be impacted.
“The harmony of our multiracial society must always be nurtured with mutual respect,” he said.
“Let us not allow technology to shake our unity with conflict and provocation,” he added.
Saraani added that Perak has always reflected Malaysia’s diversity and served as a model for embodying the spirit of unity.
“May the bonds of unity that we have built over the years continue to flourish and become the key to our success in ensuring the prosperity of our state and the happiness of our people,” he said.
