Religious harmony was the highlight of the SS5 Kelana Jaya Rukun Tetangga’s (RT) National Day celebrations.
Four representatives from among the Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Sikh communities recited prayers for the nation’s wellbeing at the event.
“It is to show that Malaysians can exercise their rights of freedom of religion, although Islam is our country’s official religion,” said RT chairman Sanggat Singh.
Earlier, the annual celebration kicked off in the morning with 51 students running and cycling around the neighbourhood, each waving a mini Jalur Gemilang.
Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne, Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Petaling District health officer Dr Ismail Lasa joined Sanggat followed the students around on a truck. The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) vehicle was also part of the entourage, blasting patriotic songs along the journey.
An enthusiastic Sanggat shouted “Mer-deka!” at curious onlookers, and told his neighbours to put up the Jalur Gemilang at their house compounds. They made a pitstop at SK Sri Kelana, where they were received by school headmistress Rohayati Mohamad Sarif to gather at the assembly area to sing the national anthem.
Back at the community hall, line dancing performances made the event even livelier. The drawing, carrom and sepak takraw competitions drew overwhelming participation from the residents, while health checks were also conducted to benefit all.