A red wave of cheering Umno members reverberated the Bukit Jalil National Stadium as the party celebrated its 66th anniversary tonight.

The red wave built up since mid-day before the crowd swelled to some 100,000 by the time Umno president Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor arrived at the stadium.

Najib, who is also the prime minister, and Rosmah were brought into the capacity packed stadium by a buggy.

They were accompanied by Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and party secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

The occasion was graced by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Umno members were ferried to the stadium by about 2,800 buses from around the country.

Political party representatives from several countries, including China, Singapore and Sri Lanka witnessed the occasion.  

NONE The ceremony themed 'Champion of the People' started off with the culmination of the Umno flag run which began on May 1 through the length and breadth of the peninsula and Sabah.

The flag reached Selangor two days ago before it made its way to the final stage at the stadium.

About 500,000 Umno members throughout the country took part in the run.

Umno vice-president Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was accompanied by Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, received the flag and handed it over to Najib.

Concert and a career carnival

Umno's song 'Bersatu Bersetia Berkhidmat' filled the air as the flag 'Sang Saka Bangsa' was hoisted.

Najib later named UiTM Pro Chancellor Tan Sri Arshad Ayub, and author and former journalist Khalidah Adibah Amin as eminent Malay male and female respectively.

The celebration came to a close with the cutting of yellow glutinous rice and a fireworks display.

Yesterday, Najib and Umno leaders attended tahlil and thanksgiving prayers in conjunction with the anniversary at the PWTC.

The celebration continues until Sunday with various activities such as a career carnival, the Mother's Day celebration, a motivational seminars, futsal, paintball competition, a concert and a robotic exhibition being held.

- Bernama