King, queen grace 2024 National Day celebration

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah graced the National Day 2024 celebration at Dataran Putrajaya today.

It is the first presence by Their Majesties at the country’s National Day celebration since Sultan Ibrahim was sworn in and crowned as the 17th Agong on Jan 31 and July 20, respectively.

Their Majesties arrived at 8am and were received on arrival by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The fanfare from the “nafiri” (traditional musical instrument) resonated throughout Dataran Putrajaya before the songs "Hormat Diraja" and the national anthem "Negaraku" were played.

It was followed by a fly-past by five helicopters carrying the Malaysian flag as well as the flags of the Malaysian Armed Forces - the Army, the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force - following the arrival of Their Majesties at the Royal Stage.

Rukun Negara recitation

The recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge for 2024 National Day featured Mohd Khairul Azhar Abbi Paisa, the hero of the Ulu Tiram police station shooting incident, leading the event.

The atmosphere gained added significance when Khairul Azhar’s powerful voice echoed through Dataran Putrajaya, chanting “Merdeka” seven times.

This evoked the historic moment on Aug 31, 1957, when Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj proclaimed the country’s independence at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

The pledge recitation event was also the participation of 66 students from the Bachelor of Teaching Degree Programme (PPISMP) at the Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Ilmu Khas Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

Saiful Azam Khoo Abdullah, a lecturer and coordinator for the IPG Kampus Ilmu Khas team said this was the team's third appearance at a major national event, marking a significant honour for the institution.

“Unlike last year, where we recited the pledge in sign language, this year we performed it verbally with a parade formation and batik uniforms,” he said.

- Bernama

National Day: PM warns action against groups sowing disharmony

Selangor sultan: Uphold unity, steer clear of 3R issues

Foster unity through respect, understanding - minister