MERDEKA! Merdeka! Merdeka! This cry is familiar to all Malaysians when August comes around. All areas of administration, government offices, schools, universities and even private firms do not miss celebrating the national day. They arrange for Merdeka programmes in order to make sense of this month. Throughout this month, the national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, can be found hanging everywhere like streamers, either around buildings or at the roadsides all across the country. At the climax of the celebration, the country itself takes part by holding a very colourful and interesting event. On the eve of Merdeka Day, massive crowds gather at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur and countdown to midnight. The clock strikes 12, followed by a colourful fireworks display. The crowd cheer with joy to show that they are proud to be Malaysians.
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