Thousands of people have joined celebrations in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, as the country marks 50 years of nationhood.
Dancers and drummers paraded though Merdeka Square, where Malaysia's first prime minister announced independence from Britain on 31 August 1957.
Dignitaries from around the world are attending the celebrations, which began with a midnight flag-raising ceremony.
There Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi urged people to unify as a nation.
"The struggle is for all Malaysians," he said. "We must ensure that no region or community is left behind."
"We will hold true to the concept of justice and fairness for all citizens."
The celebrations come at a time when debate is growing about what it means to be Malaysian in the ethnically diverse nation.
source: news.bbc.co.uk
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