Unity at FT Day celebration


30 January 2012 | last updated at 10:19PM

By SARAH RAHIM, OLIVIA PETER AND NOR AIN MOHAMED RADHI 
KUALA LUMPUR
streets@nstp.com.my 

CITY Folk came together over the weekend to celebrate the Federal Territories (FT) Day with lots of activities in a carnival-like atmosphere.

  The  celebration, with the theme    Rakyat Bersatu, Wilayah Persekutuan Maju,  at Dataran Merdeka was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Present were the prime minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and KL mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail.

  The colourful celebration started with a parade that comprised about 8,000 participants from government departments, non-governmental organisations, private sectors, agencies to  institutions of learning.

It also included a parade of  antique cars, super motor stunts,  City Hall's cavalry contingent and a demonstration by  paragliders.

    SK Wangsa Jaya pupil, Faizliana Abd Razak, 9, was excited to take part in the Generasi Hebat series of performances comprising dances, sports and flag-waving.

   "I am happy to take part. For me, unity means being able to dance and to do fun activities with my friends," said Faizliana.

    One of the spectators, R. Khrisna, 35, from Taman Keramat said his two children had waited eagerly for the procession.

     "I always bring them here during FT day or National Day celebrations because they love to see members of the uniformed bodies marching and they are even more excited if there are air shows," he said.

     Comma Motorsports executive director Sayed Alfeizal Sayed Ahmad said that the most challenging part was to integrate moves from go-kart, mini bikes and super motor  in the performance.

    "We were able to do it with solid teamwork and formation practice. Mechanics, as well as team managers, were on hand to make sure everything proceeded smoothly," he said.

    A retired policeman, Mohd Radzali Mat Ladzin, 64, from Taman Datuk Senu, Sentul, was moved by the marching troops because it required team effort and discipline. 

    Radzali said when he was younger, he had participated in a procession during Warrior's Day. The roaring music from the brass band still thumped his  heart until today.

    "I wish for Kuala Lumpur to have a more efficient transport network,  to reduce flash floods by improving the drainage system, to better manage traffic conditions and to be safer," he said.

    He said with  robust development came  issues  such as   drug smuggling and human trafficking.

    Cosplay Fun member, Abdul Muhaimin Abd Fatah, 26, was overwhelmed when he was given the chance to participate in the procession for the first time.

    "Costume play is popular among anime lovers and gamers, but is seldom introduced to the masses. It has its own fan base regardless of race and   this is a chance to bring  us together," he said.

    A toy trader, Rosli Yusof, 44, from Damansara charmed the visitors with his Malaysian flag-wrapped and  elevated metal legs.

    "I wanted to be a part of the memorable day with   everybody else. I made the clothes myself." He said this was the first time he was taking part in the event as  he was too busy to do so in previous years.

     KL-Selangor Luen Seng Physical Culture Association performed a lion dance and dragon dance, while SRJK (C) Nam Keong performed 24-Season Drum routines towards noon.

    A bagpiper, Colin Walker, 46, from Scotland came  to judge  the  pipe-band competition at 1 pm.

   The pipe-band  teams, which consist of multiracial participants, were   from St John's Institution, St John's Alumni  and Klang High School.

Walker said  it was difficult to play the bagpipes while  moving.

Organiser Abidullah Mohd Omar said the objective of the competition was to promote the traditional musical instrument, especially among youngsters.

     Pensioner Mozer Narawi, 58,    said, the celebration was very colourful.

     "I like the procession because I can see the participants in colourful costumes and the  vintage and modern cars. " Mozer, from Kuching, was on holiday with his wife.

Traders and fund-raisers also set up booths at the celebration.

   Meanwhile, Raja Nong Chik said this year's theme was in line with the 1Malaysia concept.

"It is hoped that city folk would come together with the government to develop a sustainable metropolis where people from all walks of life can live together happily," he said.

  He said that this year's celebration was more lively as it had more activities such as cultural performances, exhibition and sports.

"This celebration  will also be held in Putrajaya and Labuan. It will give   all the opportunity to participate in the activities and programmes," said Nong Chik.

  He added that in conjunction with the FT day, the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry, City Hall, Putrajaya Corporation, Labuan Corporation, Federal Territories Director of Land and Mines Office  as well as Federal Territories Sports Council will provide  "gifts" to city folk.

 The gifts will range from discounts on compound fines, no fees or rent for sports equipment and hall to discounts for use of public spaces.
unity
Vintage cars on parade. Pics by Aizuddin Saad, Rosdan Wahid and Sarah Rahim

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