A family of four traveled 170km from Ipoh, Perak to Putrajaya to witness the 2023 National Day celebrations in person. Angelia Oswald, 15, and her three family members left Ipoh at midnight and arrived in Putrajaya at 4am on Thursday, August 31. They had only watched the National Day celebrations on television before, and their excitement grew when Angelia’s older sister suggested going to Putrajaya to experience it firsthand. Angelia, who is a student at SMK Tarcisian Convent, also expressed her eagerness to watch the aerial display during the National Day parade.
Many visitors started gathering at Dataran Putrajaya as early as 1am, with some even camping in the area and sleeping on the sidewalks to secure good spots for the celebrations. Three friends chose to camp in front of the Post Office at Dataran Putrajaya to get the best vantage point for observing the colorful proceedings. Hakimi Tuan Muda, a 26-year-old backhoe operator from Puncak Alam, Selangor, arrived at Dataran Putrajaya at around 1am after celebrating the country’s 66th year of independence at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. He mentioned feeling safe due to the presence of many patrolling policemen in the area. His decision to attend the celebrations in Putrajaya was inspired by videos and photographs shared on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
Mohd Akmal Mohd Noor, a 27-year-old visitor, came to Putrajaya not only to watch the parade but also to instill a love for the country in his three-year-old daughter. He noticed her excitement and enthusiasm, with her sleeping for just an hour due to her anticipation to join the celebrations. Mohd Akmal came from Shah Alam with his wife and in-laws, and he aims to showcase the uniformed bodies of the country to his daughter through the parade.
Furthermore, a survey revealed an increase in the number of commuters using the MRT to Putrajaya at 4.30am. Edward Lee, a private sector employee from Cyberjaya, brought his two children aged seven and nine to witness the parade. Lee hoped that his children would gain the experience of watching the celebration and witnessing the cultural performances by various Malaysian communities. He utilized the Rapid KL shuttle bus with his family to travel from Putrajaya Sentral.
Marsan Tijan, a 47-year-old visitor from Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan, arrived early at Dataran Putrajaya and slept there to ensure he caught the parade. His six-year-old son Mohd Aiman Zakwan was particularly excited about seeing military assets like tanks and fighter jets. Despite the rain at 4am, they remained determined and opened their umbrellas, eagerly waiting for the show to begin.
The 2023 National Day celebration, the first under the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has the theme “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan” (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope). – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
