Behind The National Day Spectacle: The Man Who Weaves The Spirit Of Malaysia's Story

By Yasmin Ahmad Zukiman

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- Behind the vibrant parades and performances that colour the National Day celebration lies a carefully crafted script, written with great precision to ensure that every segment carries its own story and spirit to the people.

Saifulkhairi Ahmad, 55, who has been involved in writing the ceremony's script since 2008, says producing the text is not merely about choosing beautiful words.

It is about weaving together the journey of a grand event, aligning it with the theme, message and the spirit of independence that is meant to be shared and cherished.

"The main challenge is obtaining materials from the agencies involved, as the concept and theme differ every year. So, we have to tailor the content to fit that year's narrative and focus.

"Some materials also need to go through management approval first, so we constantly have to wait and readjust the script based on the information received. This process continues right up until the day before the event," he told Bernama.

According to Saifulkhairi, the scriptwriting process typically begins with the parade line-up and the event programme provided by the committee, which then allows him to build the narrative based on the information received from the agencies and contingents involved.

"The event line-up comes first, and from there, I will structure the script. I usually begin around Aug 10, working bit by bit, depending on the materials available. Sometimes we draft it out first, and once the information is finalised, we incorporate it into the script.

"If a contingent at the front has already conveyed a particular story, we cannot repeat it in the script for the following contingents.

“We need to highlight each agency's unique role so that the overall narrative moves forward without repetition," he explained.

In shaping the narrative, Saifulkhairi said he avoids overly direct language, opting instead for a more layered arrangement of words that conveys the spirit of unity, harmony and struggle in a way that resonates more deeply with the people.

He added that the phrasing must also reflect the nation's journey, from the sacrifices and hardships of past fighters to Malaysia's growth into a globally recognised nation. 

Sharing his experience in crafting the National Day script, Saifulkhairi said his interest in literature, along with his involvement in drama and theatre, has also enriched his writing, particularly in understanding the beauty of dialogue and the power of eloquently composed words.

His experience in theatre has also given him a deeper appreciation for the power of dialogue and the subtleties of language, which he weaves into his scriptwriting to create a more immersive experience for the audience.

For Saifulkhairi, writing the National Day script demands constant awareness of current developments, a clear understanding of the message behind the celebration's theme, and the ability to adapt to various elements such as timing, tempo and the announcer's intonation.

He also relies on the Dewan Bahasa dictionary as his primary reference for word selection, which helps him construct sentences that are suitable for the emcees’ scripts.

-- BERNAMA