Key events during National Day Celebration

Key events during National Day Celebration

A joyous month-long Merdeka Celebration to mark Malaysia's
45th year of independence began on 17 August 2002, with an
official launch at the Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) in
Kuala Lumpur.

Key events during the Celebration are the Eve of National Day
celebrations throughout the country, often with a countdown on
the night of 30 August. The grand National Day Parade on 31
August at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur is the highlight of the
National Day Celebration.

It is attended by His Majesty The King, the Prime Minister,
government Ministers, foreign dignitaries and invited guests as
well as thousands of Malaysians from all walks of life. This
spectacular parade incorporates march-pasts by the military and
various organizations, a host of marching bands, a patriotic
march and rhythmic dance by schoolchildren as well as cultural
displays. Similar celebrations are also held in the various
states of Malaysia. The closing ceremony, to be attended by His
Majesty The King, will be on 16 September in Port Dickson, Negeri
Sembilan. 16 September is the historic date of the formation of
Malaysia in 1963.

Another significant event of the National Day is the
commemoration of the Malaysian Independence Proclamation at the
Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial in Kuala Lumpur on 31 August at
2:30pm. Tunku Abdul Rahman was the country's first Prime Minister
who successfully negotiated independence for Malaysia from the
British colonial government.

Exciting sports attractions including the 24-hour Merdeka
Endurance Race at the Sepang F1 Circuit from 30 - 31 August plus
Go-Carting, motor cross and 4x4 events are also organized. The
Cyclist Association of Perlis organized the Perlis MTB (ASEAN)
Championship 2002 on 24-25 August, while Malacca staged the
Malacca Kite Flying Festival on 25 August. Volkswagen Beetle
enthusiasts would not want to miss the two-day Bug Fest Malaysia
from 31 August - 1 September, featuring an array of gleaming
Beetles in varied colors and their proud owners.

One of the biggest attractions has to be the much acclaimed
annual Genting National Day Celebrations up in cool Genting
Highlands, complete with a grand concert by local and regional
artistes and fireworks at the stroke of midnight on 31 August.

There are many other events in various states, all of which
would demonstrate how Malaysia and her people show their love for
the country.