Malaysia celebrates 40th national day

Malaysia celebrates 40th national day

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Colorful celebrations kicked off Malaysia's commemoration yesterday of its 40th national day, starting with a grand parade and musical performances in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian King Tuanku Ja'afar, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, his deputy Anwar Ibrahim and cabinet ministers joined hundreds of thousands of people in witnessing the procession in the national capital.

Vehicles were adorned with the national flag, which had been named Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory) by the premier late Saturday when he joined his citizens in welcoming the independence day.

In his national day address broadcast live on radio and television late Saturday, Mahathir accused foreign funds of deliberately causing sharp losses on the ringgit and the bourse, and urged the nation to unite against their common foes.