Putrajaya King Arrives In Proton Satria Neo R3 As Malaysia Marks 68th Merdeka

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MALAYSIA’s 68th Merdeka celebration began in spectacular fashion this morning, led by the arrival of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who drove himself to the parade grounds in a striking blue Proton Satria Neo R3.
The King, accompanied by his consort Raja Zarith Sofiah, received a rousing welcome from thousands lining Putrajaya’s boulevards.
The royal arrival was marked with a Hormat Diraja (Royal Salute), an inspection of the Guard of Honour, the raising of the Jalur Gemilang, and the thunderous boom of ceremonial cannon fire.
Crowds had gathered as early as 11pm the previous night, with families bringing mats, chairs, and umbrellas to secure their spots. Free shuttle buses provided by Prasarana ferried spectators into the city, ensuring massive turnout for the nation’s biggest annual showcase.
Adding to the festivities was Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, who performed this year’s patriotic theme song Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni, accompanied by dancers in traditional attire and a vibrant schoolchildren’s display.
The parade featured 81 contingents, including 14,062 participants, 21 marching bands, seven floats, and over 500 land and air assets.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his National Day address, declared Malaysia free from decades-old market cartels, calling it a true mark of independence.
“We know that prices are also rising in other countries, and we know that during previous governments, prices soared as well but what must be recognised is that the Madani government has broken down the walls of the cartels that have long controlled the market.
“We fight them, we fight the cartels, we fight the groups that use illegal and destructive means to damage this nation. For decades they held power, and now we have finally broken them,” he said.— Focus Malaysia

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