By Petronella Langita Felix
KUCHING: Members of the public are looking forward to seeing the beautiful colours of diversity in Malaysia in tomorrow’s National Day celebration.
National Day this year will be celebrated in a hybrid format with limited number of people attending the physical events at both the national and state levels.
Malaysians, however, can watch the events which will be telecast live nationwide through social media and the television.
New Sarawak Tribune polled several members of the public from different backgrounds on their expectations for this year’s National Day celebration which is themed ‘Malaysia Prihatin’ (Malaysia Cares).
A Malaysian Army (TDM) personnel, Muhammad Haffiszi Salam said what he missed about the National Day celebration were the vibrant colours of traditional clothes worn by Malaysians on that day.
“It is the only day where you can witness people from different cultural backgrounds wearing their traditional clothes at the same place and same time,” said the 34-year-old lance corporal.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM) student, Cecelia-Anne is looking forward to the National Day programmes.
“I want to see how they will present this year’s theme,” she said.
Other than the showcase of traditional clothes during the celebration, the 25-year-old is also looking forward to seeing lots of vehicles decorated with the national flag, Jalur Gemilang.
“I have seen some this National Month but not as many as in the past. So, I want to see more on social media and television just to relive the excitement of the celebrations we had before the pandemic,” she said.
Cecelia-Anne encouraged Malaysians to tune in to the social media and television for the state-level and national-level celebrations.
“It is not every day that we get to celebrate in unity. National Day brings together people from diverse backgrounds,” she explained.
Meanwhile, secondary school teacher, Oliver Boniface encouraged the public to rejoice in the National Day celebration to show that Malaysian unity had become stronger during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Given the pandemic we are facing today, I understand the people’s lack of enthusiasm to join the virtual celebrations. However, let us show the world that we are even more united now.
“Despite the challenges we face during this pandemic, we have been taking care of one another’s welfare regardless of our racial backgrounds as if we were siblings by blood. This is the true definition of Malaysia Prihatin,” added the 52-year-old.
A physiotherapist from Petra Jaya Health Clinic, Casileon Celin Dan said she was looking forward to celebrating this year’s National Day.
“I am excited to virtually reunite with my friends for the celebration,” added the 24-year-old.
She cannot wait to see the National Day marching and showcase.
“Aug 31 is one of the days I get to see people dressed in their traditional clothes and people merrily hoisting the Jalur Gemilang.
“I am excited to watch Malaysian diversity on display at this year’s celebration. The National Day is the day we get to see and enjoy the many colours we have in Malaysia, a melting pot of many races,” said Casileon.
