The people’s excitement to celebrate the 61st anniversary of Malaysia’s formation was tangible as they began converging on the historic location, where the declaration of Malaysia was made on Sept 16, 1963, from 5pm.

Despite a downpour when the ceremony began at 8.30pm, spectators stayed on to witness the grand celebration.

Earlier, they were entertained by performances while waiting for the guests to arrive and for the start of the main event, which was broadcast live on television and social media.

The ceremony was attended by Sabah governor Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife Norlidah RM Jasni, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.

Also present were the two deputy prime ministers, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, as well as the federal Cabinet and state ministers.