National Day 2025 Rehearsal Gears Up, Participants’ Spirit Unfazed By Rain

By Norhayati Mohd Akhir

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Despite repeated delays from this morning’s heavy rain, participants of the 2025 National Day parade remained undeterred during the rehearsal, delivering lively and spirited performances until noon.

National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said the participants’ energetic performances during the rehearsal reflected their unwavering commitment and love for the nation.

“Yesterday, the rehearsal ended at around 9.48 am, but today we could only start at 11 am after the rain stopped and finished at 1.03 pm. I am proud that their spirits remained high despite the challenges posed by the weather,” he told Bernama when met at Dataran Putrajaya today.

Mohd Amran, who is also the 2025 National Day Celebration Program Committee chairman, said preparations for the artistic and cultural performances were now nearly 80 per cent complete, reflecting the participants’ dedication to expressing their patriotism through dance, music, and singing.

“The cultural performances are nearly perfect, but the parade aspect still needs improvement. It requires more detailed coordination, but with the cooperation of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and other contingents, we are confident it will be more organised at the full dress rehearsal tomorrow,” he said.

Mohd Amran emphasised that the strength of the National Day celebration did not lie solely in how the events were organised, but in the spirit and commitment demonstrated by the participants.

“The ‘wow’ factor isn’t only in the programme itself but in the spirit of the participants. I could see their energy and determination, as if this were their way of contributing to the nation,” he said.

Mohd Amran also said he was touched to see visitors braving the morning downpour, with some holding umbrellas and others getting drenched, just to watch the rehearsal.

“Imagine, people are willing to get soaked in the rain just to watch the rehearsal. It really shows that the National Day celebration is close to their hearts,” he said.

On the preparations for tomorrow’s full dress rehearsal, Mohd Amran said he was optimistic that the atmosphere would be livelier once participants donned their actual costumes, enhancing the overall energy and momentum of the performance.

“Their enthusiasm will soar when they wear their costumes tomorrow. I’m confident that this will create an even more outstanding performance, bringing satisfaction not only to the participants but also to the audience,” he said.

Ahead of the Aug 31 celebration, Mohd Amran called on Malaysians to come together to enliven the National Day celebration, which not only showcases the nation’s vibrant art and culture but also reflects the spirit of unity that stands as the pillar of the country’s strength.

“Insya-Allah, with everyone’s prayers, I hope for favourable weather and a smooth event. Even if it rains, we have a contingency plan, and this enthusiasm will not stop,” he said.

The 2025 National Day celebration will begin as early as 7 am this Sunday with the arrival of the country’s leaders and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

The event will start with the hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang by Royal Malaysian Navy personnel, the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge, and a parade featuring participants from various agencies, including government bodies, private organisations and non-governmental organisations, along a 2.1-kilometre route.

A total of 14,010 participants, 78 vehicle assets, seven decorated floats, 116 animals and 21 marching bands will feature in this year’s main parade.

--BERNAMA