The annual Merdeka Day Parade is held at Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur every August 31st in commemoration of Malaysia’s independence.  A highlight in Kuala Lumpur events calendar, Malaysia’s king and queen, prime minister and other cabinet members as well as government employees attend the parade.

Usually a stage is set at Merdeka Square in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building for the guests as well as officials and military and government personnel in attendance.  One of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ three units such as the Royal Malay Regiment participates in the parade along with a military band.

After the Sovereigns’ arrival and the royal inspections, raising of the flag takes place followed by the singing of patriotic songs that accompany ethnic percussion. Beautiful young dancers dressed in colourful attire representing various ethnic groups and races of the country put on impressive performances.

Planes of the Malaysian Army Air Force, Royal Malaysian Navy fly and the Royal Malaysian Air Force fly above in a salute to the nation’s commemoration of independence.  Military helicopters carrying the Malaysian flag, the flags of the Malaysian Armed Forces and its three units as well as the flags of the nation’s 13 states and three federal territories follow the planes.

A much awaited feature of the Merdeka Day Parade, the civil/military march past takes place en route for the end of the parade. Police and military contingents, Army, Navy and Air Force special operations commandos, Royal Malaysian Air Force, pilots, business entities, civilian organizations followed by marching bands and military bands march past the stage where the sovereigns and guests are seated.