KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the scorching heat, a massive crowd thronged the Madani government's First Anniversary programme held at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, today.
Even on its first day, the programme has drawn a significant and encouraging response with thousands in attendance as of 11.30am, today.
This was demonstrated through heavy traffic on the roads leading to the venue, which underscored the public's enthusiasm for the anniversary celebration.
The programme, scheduled from today until Sunday, Dec 10, is also aimed to communicate and promote the policies, as well as new initiatives introduced by the unity government since taking over the administration on Nov 24, last year.
With a target of 200,000 visitors, the three-day programme also sought to enhance the public's awareness of the government's direction and goals, as well as nation-building through periodic achievement reporting.
Speaking to the New Straits Times (NST) at the programme today, an e-hailing driver, who wishes to be known as Fahmi, said he left the house in the wee hours of the morning to beat the long queue at the police compound rate reduction counter.
Fahmi, who arrived at 9am also said that he did not expect such a massive crowd as the programme just kick-started.
"Initially, I thought it was just a one-day programme and due to this, I was in a rush to beat the traffic and arrive on time.
"However, I was informed that the programme is scheduled until Sunday and felt that it was a good move by the government.
"Not many people can just come on a weekday and they can plan to come tomorrow," he said when met by the team.
He added that he also planned to attend the programme tomorrow alongside his family to experience other services provided by the ministries.
Another visitor, Qaisara Rahman, 27, said she looked forward to the programme as it was the first time that such an initiative was held by the government.
"I received a text message informing me about the programme and thought that I can pay a visit since I live nearby.
"However, I did not expect such a massive crowd on the first day, considering that it is also a weekday.
"I was also stuck in traffic as most roads were closed, however, that did not demotivate me from going home," she said.
Asked whether she would pay a visit with family and friends, the public relations practitioner said there was a high chance of coming again.
"Yes, I will definitely visit again the next two days with family and friends as I feel like there are so many things I do not manage to explore today."
Over the three-day programme, each ministry has also set up booths offering special services, including health screenings, dental and general health clinics as well as counters for the public to settle their summons.
Meanwhile, the first day also saw the presence of notable figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli; Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil; Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek; and Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.
At the same time, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to conclude the programme on Dec 10.
The programme is organised by the Prime Minister's Office in collaboration with ministries, government-linked companies, non-governmental organisations, private entities, and stakeholders through the Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation as a joint secretariat.