Still have but toned down.. Yer right..

KUALA LUMPUR:

This year's Merdeka celebrations will be scaled down this year, said Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

He said this was because the celebrations coincided with Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Aug 22.

"It is to respect the fasting month. We will still have the Merdeka parade, but celebrations will be scaled down," he said after a dialogue with artistes and non-governmental bodies at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) yesterday.

He said musical performances would be toned down, however, participation from NGOs would be encouraged.

"We hope to get as many of them involved in the celebrations."

Rais added he would hold a meeting with ministry officials at the end of the month to discuss the matter.

On another matter, Rais said that he was mulling a suggestion to form a corporation that would look into the music industry.

"We have Finas looking at the welfare of film-makers but we are looking at suggestions to have a separate body to look after our music industry."

Since Merdeka falls in the fasting month, why cant all those parades and performances substitute with solat terawikh peringkat kebangsaan plus solat hajat?

Ah, Mr. Joe will still be busy on the transport thing for the celebration.. Sigh