PUTRAJAYA: The recital of the Rukun Negara at the National Day celebrations was accompanied by a special team of sign language interpreters today, a first in the history of the event.
The presentation of the sign language was carried out by 36 students from the Teachers Education Institute's Kampus Ilmu Khas in Cheras.
The oral pledge was read out by sports icon and national athlete Muhammad Haikal Roslan, who led thousands of Malaysians gathered here at Dataran Putrajaya.
Clad in a grey songket and an orange tanjak, Muhammad Haikal recited the pledge, with support from the students of the institute, who were dressed in Malaysia's traditional attire.
Following this, Muhammad Haikal led a spirited seven-time "Merdeka" chant.
Muhammad Haikal, a gold-medal winner in the U-25 Single category at the Asian Bowls Games, is also a student at the National Defence University Malaysia.
This year marks Malaysia's 66th celebration of National Day under the theme "Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan" (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope).
Around 100,000 Malaysians are expected to witness the parade.