EVERY year, the nation feasts its eyes on the spectacle that is the Merdeka parade, which is part of the festivities to celebrate our National Day.
Decades have passed since we gained independence but activities to bring the crowd – and nationwide attention – to commemorate the day remain constant.
The only visible change is the generational and administrative presence we see.
As this year’s parade is ongoing at the historic Dataran Merdeka, The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle transports readers back in time to relook the moments of Merdeka preparations and merrymakings over the years… – The Vibes, August 31, 2022
The lighting towers of the Merdeka Stadium were improvised from Hume monsoon drain pipe sections but with prestressed cables strung across the sections around the pipes’ circumferences. – thecitymaker.com.my pic
(Above and below) Pictures taken on August 31, 1957, and provided by the National Archives of Malaysia shows Malaysians celebrating their independence from Britain at Stadium Merdeka. – AFP pic
Participants dressed in their corporate colours marching along Merdeka Square during National Day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur on August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
The late Malaysian King Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (right) salutes as former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad (left) applauds during National Day ceremonies at Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
Malaysian armoured vehicles take part in a parade at Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
A group of young participants in Malaysia's 42nd National Day celebrations shouting "Merdeka" or independence, while in their performance attire August 29, 1999 during a rehearsal session in Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square. – AFP pic
The historic Sultan Abdul Samad building is adorned with a sign that reads Merdeka (Independence) as Malaysian and component party flags of the leading National Front party are seen in the foreground, late August 30, 2007, at the historic Merdeka Square in downtown Kuala Lumpur in anticipation of Malaysia's 50th independence anniversary at the stroke of midnight on August 31. – AFP pic
Royal Malaysian Air Force Sukhoi SU-30MKM air superiority fighters fly in formation over the historic Merdeka Square as part of Malaysia's 50th National Day parade in downtown Kuala Lumpur, August 31, 2007. – AFP pic
Women in uniform marching steadfast during one of the Merdeka parades in the past. – AFP pic
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