Colour and culture on display at Sabah’s National Day parade
KOTA KINABALU: Energetic, patriotic, beautiful – these words would immediately come to mind upon witnessing the state-level National Day celebrations here Thursday.
Thousands of patriotic citizens at the event sang the national and state anthems with passion after the Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin arrived with his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni and other dignitaries, including Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
The celebration, which was held simultaneously nationwide, saw parades of the Jalur Gemilang, Sabah flag, all Malaysian state flags, a march-past of uniformed bodies and a convoy of vehicles.
Guests and visitors were also entertained with performances by the armed forces, patriotic poetry declamation, choirs focused on national- and unity-themed songs and many other colourful showcase.
The guests’ enthusiasm remained high during the performances with loud cheers heard throughout the event.
The weather may have been scorching hot, but this did not stop the people from coming out in droves to witness the once-a-year National Day event that started at 8am.
There was also a marching competition which saw the participation of various private and governmental agencies and departments.
Towards the end of the programme, SK Seri Gaya, SMK Putatan Form 6 centre, Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic military reserve force of the Malaysian Army, Sabah Parks, Sabah Girl Scouts, Sabah Bajau Samah Association, Public Works Department and the City Hall Enforcement unit were announced winners of the marching competition in their respective categories.
A member of the Sabah Bajau Samah Association, Ag Amirul Ag Bungsu, 21, said they were proud to be crowned winners in the ethnic category.
“Although this is just a march, we are able to show the nation – and hopefully the world – who the Bajau Samah people are,” he said.
He said they want others to know that although they may be small in number, they are a strong community that lives harmoniously with all other races and religions in the country.
“It is unique cultures such as ours that make Sabah – and Malaysia – known to the world,” he added.
Donned in their traditional costumes, association members also became instant stars, with visitors asking for selfies and group photos with them during the event.
Another participant, Peter Lintar, 44, who is of Lotud Tuaran descent, said he wished for continued peace and harmony for the country.
“We must teach our children about unity so that they too can continue living together as one in this country,” he said.
Source: The Star
