Merdeka@PUO Parade Brings Enlivens National Month Celebration In Ipoh

IPOH, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The patriotic spirit of the National Month celebrations was on full display today as over 2,000 participants joined the parade held in conjunction with the MERDEKA@PUO 2025 Programme organised by Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) here.

The parade, featuring students, staff and the local community, began at 8.30 am from Astaka, Padang Kampus Astra to Dewan Jubli Perak PUO, with participants proudly waving the Jalur Gemilang.

The programme was officiated by Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee Chuan How and Perak State Assembly Deputy Speaker Jenny Choi Tsi Jen.

Also present were Perak Information Department director Yosri Abu Mahsin, Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia Perak director Haslizar Rozally and Perak National Unity and Integration Department director Mansor Mohd Hashim.

Meanwhile, Lee said the programme was not merely a parade or a vehicle decoration contest, but a platform to strengthen patriotism, nationalism and love for the country.

“The programme also gave young people the opportunity to showcase their creativity through a vehicle decoration competition themed on independence.

“This creativity reflects how love for the country can be expressed in many forms, including art, culture, knowledge and technology,” he said in his speech.

Lee said the event also aimed to instil patriotism, honour the struggles of independence figures and enhance cooperation among educational institutions, government agencies and the local community.

He added that students’ involvement in such high-impact activities was not just an extracurricular exercise but a valuable learning experience in shaping them into responsible and patriotic citizens.

“Programmes like this are hoped to deepen the younger generation’s appreciation of independence, while strengthening national unity for the progress, prosperity and well-being of the country,” he said.

-- BERNAMA