KUALA LUMPUR — At the stroke of midnight, colourful fireworks donned the skies across the country, marking the start of the year 2019.
Although 2018 left behind many bittersweet memories, the arrival of the new year was celebrated with full of festivity through various events held nationwide.
In PUTRAJAYA, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad along with thousands of Malaysians from all walks of life ushered in the new year at the Federal Government’s administrative capital with spectacular light technology displays, as well as traditional and digital fireworks.
The colourful new year celebration was held in conjunction with the 2018 Putrajaya Light and Motion Festival (LAMPU 2018) at the Putrajaya Square, here.
Dr Mahathir and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, arrived at 11 pm, and were greeted by Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad.
As soon as they arrived, Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah witnessed the LAMPU’s signature grand projection mapping show on the facade of the Palace of Justice.
After the stroke of midnight, Dr Mahathir and the visitors watched fireworks and digital fireworks shows which lasted for six minutes, followed by the singing of the Negaraku.
In his short speech before the new year, Dr Mahathir called on Malaysians to work harder so that the country could become a developed nation by the year 2025.
“This is our goal. All parties need to create a peaceful environment and equally develop our country, ” he said.
Dr Mahathir said he was confident the new year would bring blessings for all Malaysians.
“I am confident we will all work together to develop this blessed state. This is our country and it is up to all of us to shape it,” he said.
— BERNAMA
