Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today joined 10,000 guests at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur for the Umno wings’ Merdeka Raya celebration.

Umno president Najib and deputy president Muhyiddin were met on arrival by Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Puteri Umno chief Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.

The prime minister’s wife, Rosmah Mansor and the deputy prime minister’s wife, Norainee Abdul Rahman were also present at the event  held at Merdeka Hall.

Also present were Umno secretary-generalTengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, vice-presidents Hishammuddin Hussein, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Mohd Shafie and information chief Ahmad Maslan.

Speaking on behalf of the Umno wings, Shahrizat took the opportunity to thank the freedom fighters because their sacrifices enabled the people to live in peace and harmony.

The guests were feted to Malaysian favourites such as satay, lemang, rendang, mee rebus, roast lamb, roti jala, mee goreng, cookies and fruits.

Nurhidayah Kamal,26, from Setapak, was excited to attend the Umno wings open house for the first time.

Accompanied by family members and neighbours, Nurhidayah was happy because it gave her the opportunity to reach out to the Umno leadership.

“I had the opportunity to see several ministers from close range. I hope to see and meet with the prime minister.”

The Puteri chief of Federal Territory People’s Progressive Party (PPP), C Parameswari, 33, who had attended similar events three times, described it as a joyful occasion.

- Bernama