Dataran putrajaya: The human graphics and choir performance by 2,000 students from 50 secondary schools across Selangor and the Federal Territory captivated nearly 100,000 spectators at the National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, using a giant 11-page plotting book as their guide, the students formed iconic phrases such as 'Daulat Tuanku,' 'Rukun Negara,' and 'Negaraku.' They also performed a medley of patriotic and folk songs, including Wau Bulan, Dia Datang, and Sayang Kinabalu, before accompanying Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza in singing this year's National Day theme song.
Among the students involved was Yap Regine, 16, of SMK Kepong, who described her participation as an unforgettable experience. She mentioned the exhaustion from training since June but emphasized the worthiness of the effort. Yap expressed pride in being part of the National Day celebration and voiced her willingness to participate again.
SMK Teluk Panglima Garang student Qasrina Adni Md Zan, 15, shared her experience of being pushed physically and mentally during training sessions. She noted the strictness of the coaches, understanding that it was necessary to bring out their best performance in front of leaders and the public.
SMK Kepong English teacher Mastura Zulkifli, who accompanied 41 students for the performance, stated it was the first time the school participated in such an event. She described it as a historic experience for the students, who were active members of the choir club and embraced the challenge enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, the Creative Industry Contingent attracted special attention from children with the appearance of 10 popular local animation mascots, such as Didi and Friends, Mechamato, and Omar and Hana. Animation Division Head Hazrimi Omar highlighted the contingent's tradition of showcasing beloved characters from the local creative industry during the National Day parade.
The 2025 National Day celebration, themed 'Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat disantuni', commenced as early as 7 am with the arrival of national leaders, followed by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The parade included 81 contingents with 14,062 participants, 21 marching bands, seven decorated floats, 508 land and air assets, and 116 animals from public service units.