I love my country, MALAYSIA =)

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 16, 2011): Thousands of Malaysians from all faiths and races thronged Dataran Merdeka here today from as early as 7am to witness the joint Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations.Sabah and Sarawak, had on this date in 1963, officially joined the then Tanah Melayu to form Malaysia.

This year is the first time it has been marked as a public holiday in the peninsula.There were also more reasons to celebrate this year as Merdeka Day fell on Aug 31, also coinciding with the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.Because of the clash of dates, the ceremonies were brought forward.Almost all major roads leading into Dataran Merdeka had been closed since earlyr this week to prepare for the occasion and the resulting spectacle did not dissappoint.

Commuters who stopped at the Kuala Lumpur Station only needed to follow the thumping sound of music to find their way to the field.At precisely 8am, the day's master of ceremony Datuk Mahadzir Lokman announced the arrival of Yang Dipertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and his consort, Raja Permaisuri Agong Sultanah Nur Zahirah.Also seated at the main stage were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats.

The Jalur Gemilang was raised about 10 minutes later, accompanied by a rousing rendition of the national anthem and 14 cannon shots.This year's theme revolved around empowering youths and it was reflected in the energetic line-up of performances.Among the highlights was a series of five songs and dance routines performed by over 2,000 students – with each set representing one principle of the Rukun Negara.Contingents that formed the parade and march past which began at about 8.30am were no less impressive.

The parade was kick-started by a group of over 50 skateboarders, Fixi-bike riders and youth group members who performed yoyo tricks – a popular pastime activity among the younger generation.

Several Malaysians who were recognised as "1Malaysia" icons were also honoured with the opportunity to participate in the procession, riding in decked out classic cars.Among the noted individuals include number one badminton seed Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria and Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

This year was also the first time that the Malaysian armed forces, Royal Malaysia Police and the Maritime Department had worked together for a "Gerak Gempur" routine, along with six helicopters and 10 fighter jets.An early start to the day did not deter parents from using the rare opportunity to educate their children on importance of appreciating the nation's history.

Stay-at-home mom Norzana Lina Mohamad Nor said: "My family has been coming here every year to watch the Merdeka parade. It is good to let the children learn about the police, armed forces and different government agencies."Norzana and her children were also wearing matching Harimau Malaya jerseys, in a show of national pride.For Sarawakian couple Benny Anbenny and Shelly Leena, this year's joint celebration holds a deeper meaning.

"I feel extremely happy and proud to be born in Malaysia.

"Finally this year, Malaysia Day is also celebrated nationally, instead of just in Sabah and Sarawak," said 32-year-old Benny who also brought along his three young children.

Not only did the day's event unite Malaysians from all walks of life, it also brought together three travellers from the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand – Tina Ash, Paul Tribble and Karina Hunt.

"We met while staying at a bed and breakfast near here and we were told by the owner that the event will be taking place today," said Tribble.

The trio then decided to stick together for the day's celebrations.

"I have been staying in Malaysia for one month and it has been a wonderful adventure.

"Today's experience will just add to my list of stories to tell people back home," added Hunt.

At about 10am, after the final contingent had arrived at the field, it was announced that Tuanku Mizan and his consort will be leaving, followed by Sarawak state governor Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and Sabah state governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

In BUTTERWORTH the grounds of Dataran Pemuda Merdeka filled up by the thousands in the state's celebration of the occasion.From the commencement of the event, which began at about 8am visitors were spotted recording videos and taking photographs while also waving the Jalur Gemilang.Some 100 contingents comprising state departments, education institutions, uniform bodies and school bands formed the march past before Penang Governor TYT Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Deputy Chief Minister (I) Datuk Mansor Othman, DCM (II) Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and the state exco members.

State Speaker Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, MPSP president Maimunah Shariff, and councillors from both MPPP and MPSP and state department heads were also in attendance.In addition to the parade, which involved some 5,000 participants, there were also seven vehicle convoys, including motorcycle groups, which took part in the procession today.

A Malaysia Day pantomime, was supposed to be featured during the event but was cancelled at the last minute, Abdul Halim told reporters."We did not know until during the full dress rehearsal that it took up too much time. We wanted to end it early to allow people to go for the Friday prayers," he added.

Roads surrounding the field, which were closed for the event, were opened to the public after 12pm.