The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| Rakyat turn up in full force for Merdeka, M'sia Day celebrations Posted: 17 Sep 2011 05:07 AM PDT PATRIOTISM was in the air at Dataran Merdeka as thousands of Malaysians and tourists turned up as early as 7am to join in the 54th Merdeka and 48th Malaysia Day celebrations. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman attended the celebrations. A total of 10,073 people consisting of government workers, schoolchildren, armed forces, non-governmental organisations, uniformed bodies and bands took part in the parade. The parade was a sight to behold as drumline troupes made their way, playing loud music, while groups from several organisations performed various dances. There was also a parade with antique cars carrying public figures, including badminton champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei. The highlight was the performance by the armed forces with fighter jets and helicopters flying past. Families, teenagers and foreigners were seen waving the Jalur Gemilang. Two of the most outstanding characters were Jenny Lee Lai, 56, a regular at most patriotic events as well as first timer Rosli Yusuf, 44. Lee, who is somewhat of a celebrity among Malaysians these days, was seen showing off a 1Malaysia sign and the Jalur Gemilang as well as a batik pants to complete her ensemble. "I love doing this for my country. No one else in my family shares the same passion as I do but this is the way I show my love for Malaysia," said the tuition teacher. Rosli, a trader from Uptown Damansara, said this was his first time at the parade, dressed in Jalur Gemilang overalls while walking on stilts. The trader, who is known as Uncle Ting Tong, said he intended to join the festivities last year but could not do so due to his busy schedule. Friends, Kamzailan Kamal, 47, Ahmad Soofi Jaafar, 53, Shamsul Bakri Padhil, 33 and Safri Osman, 53, made baju Melayu with the traditional "Jippa" cutting at the side to represent the unity in Malaysia. Lone ranger Kamarudin Salleh was seen waving a large flag on top of a boulder at the Dataran Merdeka. A cashier with Jaya Jusco, he was seen wearing his tag and a T-shirt with the Sarawak flag, a feat Kamarudin has been doing since 1995. "I come here every year to celebrate our National Day as a Sarawakian because I feel the need to honour our country," he added. Parents also took the opportunity to bring their young children to the parade to teach them the spirit of 1Malaysia and the essence of patriotism. Zulkafli Abdul Rahman, 46, from Setapak Jaya, said he felt it was important to instill the love for Malaysia in his 10-year-old daughter Humaira Huda. His wife also took part in the march past during the Merdeka celebrations in Bukit Jalil last year. "It is a wonderful feeling to be a part of the celebrations and we wanted our daughter to feel the same way," said Latifah Azlan. University Malaya Medical Centre's radiography students Nor Ashila Kamis, 19, Siti Khadijah Mislan, 22, and Nurul Asyikin Samat, 19, were enthralled to see the march past and cheered on each contingent that walked past. Tourists from Australia Earle Taske, 60 and Ann Taske, 61, said they loved watching the bands perform. The couple, who have been to Malaysia four times, said this was their first Merdeka and Malaysia Day parade. "It is fun to see so many people here and they all look happy and proud to be Malaysians," said Taske. Both would love to come back to the country to experience National Day again. |
| Over 100 booths taking part in Epicure M’sia this weekend Posted: 17 Sep 2011 05:05 AM PDT FOODIES take note. Mark your diaries for today and tomorrow. Make your way to the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Bukit Kiara and embark on a culinary journey at the Epicure Malaysia 2011 event. More than 100 exhibition spaces will be featuring a variety of gourmet food, fine wines, gourmet coffee as well as home appliances, fitted kichen ware and much more. Apart from the exhibition booths, there will be more than 70 live workshops featuring the usage of fine foods like chocolates, cheese, fine wines and spirits and the best part is the public can indulge in a sampling session and taste a variety of cuisines served. Meanwhile, the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival 2011 is back and will be held for one month starting Oct 1 to Oct 31 with 28 restaurants participating this year. "It's Raining Chefs! is the theme for this year," said festival organising chairman Datuk Steve Day at the media launch at Pavilion KL recently. The event was launched by Tourism Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng who was representing Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. "We deliberately choose a lighthearted tagline aimed at giving the festival universal appeal,'' explained Day. "Malaysia is relaxed and a friendly food destination. Fine dining here is not only about serving the best cuisines and having top-notch service standards — it's about having fun too!'' he added. Throughout October, 28 of the country's leading restaurant's will serve up their own culinary creations. There will be a Festival Gala Launch on Sept 29, where all the restaurants will showcase their dishes from their festival menus at the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, while the festival's grand finale will sign off on Nov 3 at the Sunway Lagoon Surf Beech. For details log on to www.migf.com |
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