SGI President Daisaku Ikeda said: “To do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live to that challenge – that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.” For the sake of contributing to our fellow citizens and society, and to foster our youth, SGM has been participating in National Day events held on August 31 each year, at the federal and state levels.

On August 31, 2019, 30 SGM Youth Division members from Greater Kuala Lumpur Area performed in the federal-level 62nd National Day celebrations held at Dataran Putrajaya in Putrajaya. The theme of this year’s National Day celebrations was “Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih” (Love Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia), which emphasises the government’s efforts to inculcate the spirit of love for the country among the people, especially the younger generation, besides strengthening unity among all ethnic groups.

Sabah	Melaka

For this celebration, SGM fielded 30 youth division members who were integrated into a team of performers made up of several divisions. Together, during the opening, they sang patriotic songs, danced and acted out a short drama highlighting the significant moments of the history of Malaysia leading up to the present moment, emphasising the importance of patriotism, national struggle and harmony. The dangers of abuse of power and corruption were also included in the storyline.

This 2019 National Day parade was brought together by the efforts of over 17,000 participants, with youth taking up a large portion. Totalling 34 contingents, the participants consisted of students, civil servants, security forces and government agencies. A team of over 2,000 school students presented a human graphics performance to complement the event. The event drew more than 300,000 spectators and was viewed by millions via live telecast on television and social media.

The celebration was graced by the Yang DiPertuan Agong, His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. Also in attendance were Prime Minister YAB Tun Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, members of the cabinet, Members of Parliament, government officials, diplomats and foreign dignitaries. The Prime Minister arrived at the venue by driving a Proton Saga, causing the crowd to erupt into wild cheers.   

Kuala Lumpur	Johor

SGM’s participation was greeted with praise by guests. Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department YB Senator P. Wathya Moorthy and YB Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa both praised SGM’s contributions towards this National Day celebration. Foreign Minister YB Dato Saifuddin Abdullah was also full of praised, and urged SGM to keep up its efforts towards nation-building.

Tan Sri Norliza Rofli, Director-General of the National Department for Culture and Arts congratulated SGM for its participation and expressed hopes that SGM’s passion will continue into the future. 

In addition to the federal-level celebrations, SGM state branches also participated in state- and community-level National Day celebrations, as an expression of their commitment to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the states and the communities that they live in.

In Johor, ten SGM youth were invited to join Yayasan Warisan Johor and other organisations to perform dances themed “Sayangi Malaysiaku” at Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru.

Penang	Selangor

Meanwhile in Melaka, 45 SGM youth were involved in the marching parade held at Dataran Memorial Pengisytiharan Kemerdekaan, led by SGM Melaka high school division coordinator Chia Wei Chung.

In Pahang, 25 and 50 members participated in the marching parades held at Bentong and Kuantan respectively, and 36 members in Sabah were also involved in the marching parade held at Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens.

Furthermore, 81 Penang members were seen marching at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka to celebrate our National Day, in a celebration graced by Penang Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow.

Pahang	Negeri Sembilan

On the same day, SGM Negeri Sembilan fielded 71 youth to take part in gymnastics and dance performances held at Padang Majlis Perbandaran Seremban. They also took part in a marching parade.

Twenty SGM Selangor youths also joined a Chinese drum performance and peace dance at the main field in Taman Klang Jaya, just opposite the SGM Selangor Culture Centre. This celebration was a district-level community event.

The participants have been training in the weeks leading up to the National Day events.

The participation in these National Day celebrations has continued for many years, and is a symbol of the trust people have for SGM and the fruit of SGM’s efforts in sowing friendship in society.