JOHOR BARU: For the past six decades, the National Day has always been a significant celebration for Malaysians from all walks of life.
To mark Malaysia's 65th Merdeka Day, Amari Hotel Johor Baru celebrated the occasion differently on the eve of National Day.
Seven senior citizens aged 65 were treated to a special appreciation flame & grill barbecue buffet dinner at the hotel.
Coming from all walks of life donned in batik and baju kurung for the night, enjoyed the evening with revelry.
Hotel's general manager Andrew Tan said they decided to do it differently this year.
"We wanted to honour seven individuals who also celebrated their 65 birthday together with the nation," he said.
Tan said this was a simple appreciation. We wanted to show the people.
"We even allowed these seven to bring their family members along and enjoy the evening with pomp and splendor," he said.
He was happy to note that the dedicated kitchen staff have put their heads together to create a truly Malaysian-themed celebration at home.
They were entertained with music and songs as they enjoyed the array of dishes from local delights to international favourites prepared by the kitchen team at the Amaya Food Gallery.
Tan said the event will be held every year to mark the auspicious event of our nation and the hotel is glad it can play a part.
The hotel's marketing manager Salamon Das said the hotel was proud to play its role in celebrating Merdeka Day with the many guests they have invited.
"We need to appreciate the birth of our nation and indeed celebrating this Merdeka Day means much to us," he lamented.
He said birthdays are an occasion everyone looks forward to, but on Merdeka eve, it is an extra special as they get to celebrate it with the entire nation.
The night also saw seven Merdeka baby boomers cut the National Day cake and later all stood as the Negaraku was played, followed by several patriotic songs.
For Johari Omar, a retired police officer, being born in 1957 is something he is proud of.
"Two years ago we did not get to mark Merdeka Day, but today I am proud to celebrate it with Amari Hotel," he said with a smile.
He said being born in the same year as the country got its independence is something extraordinary.
"I have been with the force for 39 years and retired in 2017, but I consider today's event very remarkable and for this I am thankful to the organizers," he stressed.
Ricky Lee Kong Wah, who also turns 65 this year, said he is delighted to have attended today's event at the hotel.
"I did not expect to get a call to be invited and treated like a VIP," he said.
Lee said as Malaysia is a country that is blessed with a multi-racial society, sharing a strong bond in accepting each other's diversity and striving to build a better nation.
"The Malaysian spirit has kept us glued together and I am truly proud to be a Malaysian and here today we mark Merdeka Day as a family," he proudly said.
Mariam Yusof, a housewife, thanked Amari Hotel for organizing the appreciation buffet dinner.
"This year's Merdeka celebration is extra special as I made new friends and I will forever cherish this memory," she said with a beam.
She hoped that this gathering will be carried out every year so that the Merdeka babies can meet, mingle and chat about the nation's independence.
"I thank the hotel for at least thinking of me and sending me an invitation for the Merdeka eve dinner for which I am indebted," she added.