HAPPY National Day to all Malaysians today.
On August 31, 1957, the Federation of Malaya gained independence from British colonial rule. Today, we celebrate the historic event as a public holiday.
If you are in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s federal administrative and judicial capital, situated about 25 km south of the national capital, Kuala Lumpur, do make your way to Dataran Putrajaya.
That’s where the festive fun is. There, the 2025 National Day celebration will kick off at 7 am today. It will feature 14,010 participants, 78 vehicles, 83 marching contingents, seven themed floats, 116 animals and 21 matching bands.
This year’s National Day parade is set to create history with the presence of two special floats — Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 float and Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) promotional float.
According to the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris, who is also the 2025 National Day Programme Committee chairman, the inclusion of these two floats not only adds vibrancy to the parade but also carries important messages about Malaysia’s regional leadership and tourism ambitions.
“The ASEAN contingent reflects Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year and this is the best opportunity for us to bring that message closer to the people,” he told Bernama.
“As for the VM2026 float, it serves as an early promotional effort, encouraging public participation in supporting the government’s national tourism campaign.”
Mohd Amrn said the ASEAN Chairmanship contingent, which featured a fleet of smart-driven electric vehicles and carried the theme of “Inclusion and Sustainability”, symbolised regional unity and highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to a greener, more innovative and competitive future.
He added that the VM2026 float showcased Malaysia’s rich diversity and cultural heritage with floral and fauna elements, traditional ethnic costumes and iconic instruments such as the sape and rebana ubi.
Malaysia formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on January 1 this year. This marked the beginning of its year-long role. Malaysia has held the prestigious position multiple times previously.
Meanwhile, the VM2026 campaign was officially launched in Malaysia on January 6 this year, The year-long tourism initiative focuses on showcasing Malaysia’s culture, nature and hospitality and includes the introduction of the Malayan sun bear mascots, Wira and Manja.
Mohd Amran also revealed that this year’s National Day parade in Putrajaya would feature a large-scale “human graphic” formation involving nearly 2,000 students, a bagpipe performance by the Malaysian Armed Forces and a dramatic segment titled “Citra MADANI” involving 1,000 participants from various agencies.
He said all performances were aligned with this year’s theme. “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni” emphasising the involvement of the people as the core strength of the nation.
The entire programme, he added, was designed not only to foster patriotism and national pride but also to allow the public to experience the pulse of Malaysia MADANI through energetic and engaging presentations.
Therefore, the National Day parade in Putrajaya today is set to be a memorable event for all participants and spectators. There will be so much to see, photograph and experience.
The celebration will commence with the arrival of distinguished guests at 7.15 am, followed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at 7.50 am, and finally, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 8 am. The parade is expected to end at around 10 am.
Those unable to make it to Dataran Putrajaya can watch the National Day parade live on RTM News today.
In Sarawak, Sarikei is hosting this year’s state-level National Day celebration.
The festivity began last night at the Sarikei Sports Complex with a line-up of performances, parades and independence-themed activities.
Today, the programme will begin at 7 am with a “Unity Walk” at Sarikei Stadium, bringing together 5,000 participants from diverse backgrounds in a symbolic celebration of unity and community strength.
For all the participants and spectators, there is also much to see, photograph and experience at the state-level National Day celebration.
Hopefully, all the colourful National Day celebrations this year will evoke patriotism and national pride in Malaysians and remind us of our shared history, glory and rich cultural heritage.
As we celebrate our National Day today, let us remain united, acknowledge and celebrate the unique cultural diversity that forms Malaysia’s national identity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of unity yesterday in his National Day 2025 Address at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang in Serdang.
He stressed that unity, which had been the foundation of Malaysia’s strength since the struggle for independence, must be preserved to ensure lasting stability and prosperity.
“No nation can achieve independence without the spirit of cooperation, unity and identity. Yet over time, this is sometimes forgotten.
”Malaysia must never forget that independence was won at a heavy price, paid with lives, property and the sweat of every race,” said Anwar.
He added any attempt to sow division among Malaysians on racial, regional or religious grounds must be curbed decisively as it threatened the nation’s future.
The Prime Minister’s speech is an apt and timely reminder that gives us a lot of food for thought as we celebrate our National Day today.
Before I sign off, Happy National Day once again, my friends.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at adelinel888@gmail.com.
