KUALA LUMPUR: The 52nd National Day celebration, held for the first time at Parliament Square, had met its objectives though it was brief and moderate.
Expressing satisfaction with the success of the event, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the celebration had successfully reflected the 1Malaysia aspiration.
"We hope that with the 52nd Merdeka Day celebration and 1Malaysia, all the communities will set aside their differences and scepticism and strive forward as Malaysians," he said after the celebration at Parliament Square.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said that although the celebration was held on a moderate scale due to the influenza A (H1N1) threat, the important thing was for the spirit of independence to be enhanced.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said Malaysians should not only adopt an attitude of tolerance but also one of acceptance.
"We must have acceptance, and I believe that after that we will better understand each other in our country. I think we have to do that first if we want to make a success of 1Malaysia."
Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk M. Saravanan called on the people to forge solidarity for the country to achieve excellence.
Dewan Negara president Datuk Wong Foon Meng said this year's event accorded respect to the Malaysian Parliament which marked its 50th anniversary.
Zimbabwean Ambassador Lucas Pande Tavaya, who witnessed the National Day celebration for the seventh time, said this year's theme "1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now", gave a different impact to the celebration.
"It is very nice although it was shorter than the other years but it was very dignified. It was very exciting because of its new theme, 1Malaysia."
Sharing similar views, Chilean Ambassador Jose Manuel Ovalle and his wife, Maria Paz Villegas, regarded the celebration as "simple but impressive", while Namibian Ambassador Gebhrad Ben Kandanga said he enjoyed the event though it was brief unlike those of previous years.
Australian High Commission defence adviser Colonel Stephen Tulley, who attended the event for the first time, felt lucky to have been invited to the celebration.
"It was wonderful, very colourful, well organised and truly shows Malaysia as a multiracial country. I hope to be invited again next year."
Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said in his National Day message in his blog that the party would be fearless in speaking out and championing the rights of all Malaysians.
He said MCA was committed to the spirit of 1Malaysia and believed the Barisan Nasional exemplified the spirit as well.
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