Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam will be amongst distinguished guests who have, been invited to partake in the celebrations of Malaysia`s 50 years of nationhood that will be taking place on August 31.
In the lead up to the auspicious celebrations, Malaysia has already punctuated the year with events marking the national milestone. Beginning with tomorrow, the Persembahan Ambang Merdekaor Eve of Merdeka Celebrations. The event aims to showcase the cooperation of Malaysia`s ethnic diverse races during the process of gaining independence. The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is scheduled to be received by 300 members of the National Alliance on motorcycles, with the lights at Merdeka Square darkened during the countdown to 12 o`clock midnight. The lights will be turned on again, followed by the raising of the Jalur Gemilang and shouts of Merdeka to be led by the Malaysian Premier.
His Majesty is expected to join the Prime Minister of Malaysia and other dignitaries the following morning, August 31, to witness the National Day parade. The event will highlight the achievements and successes of the country during the past 50 years, with five segments to represent the eras of the five Prime Ministers in dependence (Tunku Abdul Rahman), development (Tun Abdul Razak), integration (Tun Hussein Onn), modernisation (Tun Mahathir Mohamad) and, excellence (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi). During the parade more than 25,000 people will be participating in the event.
Exisiting close ties between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia is further exemplified as His Majesty the Sultan, will also be amongst an array of distinguished guests which include other royal guests, visiting heads of state, foreign dignitaries invited to a royal high tea reception at Istana Negara (National Palace). The afternoon reception is hosted by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abiding Paramount ruler of Malaysia and Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah.
The height of the Merdeka celebration will be a mammoth gathering in Merdeka Stadium, the original site where Malaysia`s Proclamation of Independence took place on the 31 August 1957. To re-enact the historical moment, the Constitution Letter will be handed to the Prime Minister who will open and place it into a capsule. This will be followed by a holographic shot of the Tunku reading the last paragraph of the letter. The Prime Minister will then shout Merdeka seven times and with the audience to echo him accordingly.
Source: www.brudirect.com (29 Agustus 2007)
