50th Merdeka Celebrations at Dataran Pahlawan

I witnessed the launch of the Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign held at Dataran Pahlawan, Malacca today in conjunction with Malaysia's upcoming 50th independence anniversary. This event was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and other national leaders. For more information about this event, read these news articles:
200,000 Throng Melaka's Dataran Pahlawan For Merdeka Celebrations - Bernama
Abdullah leads vintage motorcade - NST

At 6 pm, I walked across Malacca River to Dataran Pahlawan. My car was parked as far as possible away from the location of this event, because the roads may be blocked due to the crowd. Along the way, I managed to grab these photos:


This is the famous Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower of Malacca. Not far away are the Stadhuys, Queen Victoria's Fountain and Christ Church. (Ref. No.: IMG_33590001)
Time: 6.25 pm
Photographer's location: 2.194394° N, 102.248552° E2.194394102.248552
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The uncompleted part of Dataran Pahlawan under construction. (Ref. No.: IMG_33600001)
Time: 6.41 pm
Photographer's location: 2.190983° N, 102.252308° E2.190983102.252308
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At about 8 pm, cars of VIPs and special guests started arriving at Dataran Pahlawan. I was standing in front of Bastion House (Location: 2.191436°N, 102.250000°E) and I took pictures of them passing by.2.191436102.250000


(Ref. No.: IMG_33620001)
Time: 8.06 pm
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(Ref. No.: IMG_33660001)
Time: 8.13 pm
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(Ref. No.: IMG_33670001)
Time: 8.16 pm
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(Ref. No.: IMG_33690001)
Time: 8.20 pm
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While waiting for the Prime Minister...


Students from St. Francis Institution nearby waving the Jalur Gemilang and singing patriotic songs. (Ref. No.: IMG_33700001)
Time: 8.26 pm
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At around 9.17 pm, the Prime Minister's motorcade approached the place I was standing. His car is a vintage Nash Rambler Custom Convertible 1951 and bore the registration number M 4442. The car also carried Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Culture Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim.


(Ref. No.: IMG_33800001)
Time: 9.17 pm
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From left: Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. (Ref. No.: IMG_33820001)
Time: 9.17 pm
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Following the Prime Minister is a procession of antique cars and motorbikes.


(Ref. No.: IMG_33830001)
Time: 9.18 pm
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(Ref. No.: IMG_33850001)
Time: 9.19 pm
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After the motorcade left, I set out towards the top of Dataran Pahlawan.


An RTM cameraman at the scene. (Ref. No.: IMG_33910001)
Time: 9.29 pm
Photographer's location: 2.191406° N, 102.250611° E2.191406102.250611
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The crowd on top of Dataran Pahlawan. At the centre are performers in colourful traditional clothes. Surrounding them are people holding banners with writings similar to those in 1957 when Malaysia obtained independence. (Ref. No.: IMG_33920001)
Time: 9.34 pm
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I left the place at 10 pm, before the event ended.


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* All times are in MYT (GMT +0800).