Dazzling display of military might mark 68th National Day

PATRIOTISM soared and unity prevailed as Malaysia commemorated its 68th year of independence with a spectacular National Day celebration in the federal administrative capital.

Tens of thousands lined Dataran Putrajaya to witness a dazzling display of military might, air force mastery, and multiracial community participation, all framed by the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni”.

The morning began with ceremonial precision as the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment presented a formal salute, accompanied by stirring martial tunes from its central band.

Spectators waved the Jalur Gemilang with pride as school, university and army marching bands filled the streets with rousing rhythms, setting the tone for a day steeped in patriotic pageantry.

A 14-gun salute fired by the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment followed, each shot echoing the solidarity of Malaysia’s 13 states and Federal Territories.

The mood lifted further as the skies above Putrajaya thundered with a formation of helicopters and fighter jets in a coordinated flypast.

It was a compelling display of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ operational readiness and joint-service cooperation.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s EC 725, the Navy’s HOM AW139, Army’s MD530G and AW109, the Police’s AW139, Maritime Enforcement’s AS365N Dauphin, and the Fire Department’s AW109 all took part in the synchronised aerial showcase.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief, General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, drew loud applause when he piloted a Jalur Gemilang-painted Sukhoi SU-30MKM in a crowd-thrilling solo manoeuvre.

The moment culminated in a dramatic “bomb burst” aerial formation by a six-jet team, followed by precision flypasts from Hawk 208 jets, C130H Hercules, A400M Atlas, and CN235 aircraft—underscoring the strength of Malaysia’s airlift and tactical capacity.

On the ground, armoured vehicles, tactical 4WDs and heavy artillery rolled past the grandstand in formation, reinforcing the nation’s defence capabilities.

Military hardware aside, civilians were at the heart of the celebrations, with contingents of schoolchildren, university students, public servants and NGOs all marching proudly in unison.

Floats, mascots and cultural attire further reflected Malaysia’s multicultural fabric.

The celebration was made more memorable by the unannounced walkabout of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who strolled nearly half a kilometre along the parade route to greet the public.

Accompanied by Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Anwar was met with cheers, handshakes and spontaneous photo requests from citizens of all ages, including children, the elderly and foreign visitors.

When asked by the media for a comment, he simply gave a thumbs-up and a smile, letting the atmosphere speak volumes.

One of the most talked-about elements of this year’s parade, however, had four legs and a tail.

The animal segment stole hearts, beginning with sleek Doberman dogs from the Civil Defence Force, followed by the Customs Department’s elite K9 unit.

Applause grew louder as six search-and-rescue dogs from the Fire and Rescue Department trotted past—symbols of bravery in past national emergencies.

Yet, the loudest cheers were reserved for Yeyen, a ginger cat from the Civil Defence Force. Lounging lazily on a rescue boat, Yeyen’s unimpressed but endearing demeanour quickly captivated the crowd and has since become a social media phenomenon.

The animal parade continued with more than 20 ceremonial horses from the Royal Armoured Corps' mounted unit, trotting majestically past the main stage, adding a regal flourish to the event.

The inclusion of animals was more than spectacle; it was a reminder of the diverse and often overlooked roles these companions play—from security and disaster response to boosting public morale.

As jet engines roared overhead and the rhythm of drums pulsed below, Malaysia’s 68th National Day celebration was more than a show of military might.

It was a resounding affirmation of a young nation’s resilience, shared future, and unwavering belief in unity, diversity and purpose. - August 31, 2025