Foreigners Keen To Join National Day Celebrations

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Some foreigners met in the city are keen to join the locals in celebrating the upcoming National Day on Aug 31. A check by Bernama found that foreigners, especially those who have stayed here long, also want to be involved in the celebrations and embrace the spirit of independence. "From the country's history, I know that Malaysia gained freedom from the British 56 years years ago and for that, each year the people go to the Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) to celebrate the National Day," said Khboieb Al Fadhil, 26, a businessman from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. "My country does not celebrate its national day like Malaysia does. In Malaysia, the government, companies and schools will decorate their premises with colourful flags while the streets will also be decorated likewise to celebrate the occasion," he added. Al Fadhil, who has been staying in Malaysia for the past few years, said he was touched and amazed to see so many people going out on the eve and on that day, waving flags together in the spirit of unity, regardless of race and religion. "For this year's celebration, I plan to put a Malaysian flag on my car as I feel that I am part of this country too," he said. MAHSA University College-Medicine student Al-Hassan Mohammed Ahmed Bahussein, 20, also from Saudi Arabia, said he had been in Malaysia for a year and would be clebrating the national day for the first time. "I knew about it from friends including from Malaysia as they are preparing to celebrate it. "I am going to celebrate it at Merdeka Square with my Malaysian friends as they have told me that there would be a show by the Malaysian armed forces, and in the evening, there would be songs and dance performances." He said back in his hometown, the people would instead celebrate their national day at the military museums and military shows. K.Saranya, 19, a local student at an international college said her college would also take part in celebrating the auspicious occasion. She and her friends would decorate various spots at their college with colourful flags of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) will be joining the revelry with a grand celebration titled 'Wishes of a Nation' at the Esplanade, KLCC Park, from 9pm till midnight, Aug 30, featuring popular artistes like Faizal Tahir and cultural performances. The night's event will be capped with a spectacular fireworks display at the most iconic location in the federal capital. -- BERNAMA