Merdeka Square was the focus for city folk and visitors to the capital to watch the parade to mark the launch of 2012 Federal Territories (FT) Day celebration today.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak officially opened the ceremony which saw the participation of 94 contingents with 8,000 members representing government departments, schools, higher education institutions, corporate bodies, non-government bodies and banks.

Also present at the celebration which started at 8.30am were the prime minister’s wife Rosmah Mansor and Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

Themed ‘Rakyat Bersatu, Wilayah Persekutuan Maju’ for the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, the celebration included a procession of antique cars, superbikes and Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s horse-mounted contingent.

The Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry, KL City Hall, Putrajaya Corporation, Labuan Corporation, Federal Territories director of Lands and Mines Office and Federal Territories Sports Council provided ‘gifts’ to city folk.

These include discounts on compounds, visits to public places, quit rent and fines and free rental for sports facilities and multi-purpose halls and free coupons.

The Information Communications and Culture Ministry is organising a programme called Kuala Lumpur Art Street for two days beginning today.

Thirty booths are selling paintings, antiques, used books, old CDs and records, accessories for women and traditional food.

Performances in the form of street music, singing, dancing, clowns, buskers and “human statues” are also being held.

- Bernama