By Siti Rohaizah Zainal and Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, Aug 31 — Over 60,000 people of various ethnicities thronged the Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam last night for the state-level 67th National Day celebration.
The event was further enlivened by the presence of Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, and his wife, Datin Seri Masdiana Muhammad. They were welcomed by State Secretary Dato’ Haris Kasim, along with other state government leaders and elected representatives.
At exactly midnight, the chant of Merdeka led by Amirudin resounded through the venue, accompanied by a fireworks display and the singing of "Tanggal 31 Ogos" and "Jalur Gemilang."
Earlier, Amirudin presented the Tokoh Kemerdekaan Negeri Selangor 2024 award to the late Corporal Mohd Azrul Tukiran, one of the police officers who died in the clash between the Sulu group from southern Philippines and local security forces in Kampung Tanduo on March 1, 2013.
Amirudin handed over the award to Azrul's mother, Sa’diah Amin, who was accompanied by her daughter, Azlin Tukiran.
In addition, Amirudin also presented contributions to veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces Association and the Royal Malaysia Police.
[caption id="attachment_370504" align="aligncenter" width="914"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari leads the Merdeka chant at midnight during the state-level 67th National Day celebration at the Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam on August 30, 2024. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
This year's National Day celebration featured some unique elements, including an increase in the number of parade contingents from 66 to 70 and the inclusion of tactical performances.
Government uniformed bodies, including the police, fire department and military, also performed tactical displays, along with traditional and modern dance performances.
Visitors were also entertained by Malaysia’s number one artist, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, along with other artists like Faizal Tahir, Roy, Poey Stings, Projektor Band and dance group Zeppo Youngsterz.
Earlier in the evening, the state organised a religious talk led by Ustaz Zul Ramli, followed by a selawat session with Ustaz Fahmi Legacy and Asy-Syakirin.
