By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, Aug 31— More than 10,000 visitors enlivened the state’s Ambang Merdeka programme in conjunction with the 65th National Day celebration at Dataran Kemerdekaan here, last night.
The event started at 9pm with the arts and cultural performance by Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (Padat).
A total of 59 contingents from various agencies, departments and uniformed services participated in the parade and marches.
Performances by uniformed services such as the T-baton demonstration, CPR dance, silent march and hand-to-hand combat drew the most attention from the crowd.
Uniformed services personnel march during a parade at the state-level celebration to mark the 65th National Day in Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam, on August 30, 2022. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/SELANGORKINI
Local artistes Black Hanifah and Ernie Zakri were among the celebrities who performed in the programme along with dances of various races and choir singing.
During the event, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari also presented special prizes and awards for the best parade and band performance.
He also presented a contribution to the family of the late composer Saiful Bahri Elyas who wrote the lyrics and melody for the Selangor state anthem Duli Yang Maha Mulia, which was received by his daughter Nurul Adzan.
Amirudin also announced the symbolic handing over of Rumah Idaman house keys to the 26 Selangor football players who won the Malaysia Cup in 1995.
The highlight of the celebration was at the stroke of midnight when Amirudin shouted “Merdeka” seven times and the event ended with the fireworks display.
