Merdeka Round Up

 

People from all walks of life presented themselves at the Ipoh City Square for the third edition of the Merdeka Night Ride held on Tuesday, August 30 beginning at 8.45 pm.

Some 2, 000 people took part in this cycling extravaganza organised by Ipoh City Council. It was flagged off by HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah and HRH Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim. In attendance were the Menteri Besar and Ipoh mayor.

There were two categories, 8 km and 20 km. The VVIPs took part in the 8km ride passing through Jalan Dato Sagor while the 20km passed through Lost World of Tambun.

“It’s good to participate in activities like this, as they consist people of all ages. Even families took part enabling people to cycle together,” said Mah Carmen who witnessed the celebration.

Over 2, 000 people celebrated Merdeka Eve at Ipoh City Square on Tuesday, August 30 following the cycling event.

While they waited for the clock to strike twelve, they were entertained by live performances. And when the clock struck twelve, the crowd sang their hearts out singing “Negara-ku”, the national anthem while facing the national flag, Jalur Gemilang. It was the nation’s 59^th Independence Day.

“The young today lack patriotism. Merdeka celebrations should continue so Malaysians, young and old, can show their love for the country,” said Chandra.

Her younger sister, Naleenaa, on the other hand, expressed her hopes for the authorities to be more flexible.

“The people in power should be more flexible. They should not make a hue and cry over little things,” she remarked with a smile.

 

It was a joyous moment for those who gathered along the road fronting the Ipoh Town Hall while waiting for the National Day parade to begin on Wednesday, August 31.

The parade began in earnest at 8.30 am. The onlookers cheered happily as they watched every participating contingent that passed by the royal stand. HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah and HRH Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, along with other state dignitaries, were there to celebrate the auspicious occasion. The Sultan took the salute.

“I was nervous and excited at the same time, as it has always been my dream to be part of this parade. The feeling of marching for my country while bearing my school’s name strikes a sense of love for my country,” said Gregory from SMK Anderson, Ipoh who took part in the parade for the third time.

Crowd filled the Yasmin annex of the Kong Heng Museum at noon on Wednesday, August 31 to relive stories of the late movie maker, the iconic Yasmin Ahmad.

Alan Bligh, a former television and radio presenter, shared stories of Yasmin with the crowd as he played advertisements done by her. The room filled was with tears and smiles as they watched her stories being shown again. Yasmin was definitely a talented storyteller who was in a class of her own.

“One thing she wanted was understanding among races instead of intolerance. Her films portray the different races, their characteristics and makeover. If a Chinese boy is involved in an accident the whole cinema would feel sorry for him. And that’s when she knows that for one minute she’s made us all one again,” said Alan.

Around 20 personnel from various services took part in the Merdeka celebration at KPJ Ipoh Specialist’s lobby on Monday, August 29.

They sang patriotic Merdeka songs and arranged homemade cupcakes made into the shape of Jalur Gemilang, the national flag. To add on to the patriotic mood, Che Harun from the pharmacy unit recited a poem.

It was a day to remember, as it was about making time to honour the nation’s Independence Day.