By Zaki Salleh
IPOH – More than 50,000 people from various ethnic backgrounds gathered to witness the 68th National Day Parade at the Perak state level, held in front of the Ipoh Town Hall on Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab earlier this morning.
The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, along with the Raja Permaisuri of Perak and members of the royal family, graciously attended the event.
His Majesty was accompanied by the Chief Minister of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, and members of the state executive council.
The celebration began with a main guard of honour parade by the Royal Engineers Regiment, followed by the National Day Pledge recitation by school students.
A total of 119 contingents with over 5,000 participants took part in the grand and colorful event.
Starting as early as 7:30 a.m., the parade featured a variety of contingents from uniformed bodies, various government and private agencies, associations, and non-governmental organizations.
The participation of diverse contingents and agencies added to the vibrant atmosphere in the lead-up to the August 31st celebration.
Also contributing to the lively mood were school marching bands, public and private higher education institutions, high-powered motorcycle clubs, and national car clubs.
Among the highlights that captured public attention were the parades by security forces and displays of assets from the Malaysian Armed Forces, the police, and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia.
