KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Family intending to attend the 2022 Malaysia Day celebration at the Independence Declaration Memorial Square in Banda Hilir, Melaka are encouraged to dress in their traditional costume or the fashion of the 50s and 60s.

Communications and Multimedia Ministry (K-KOMM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek said it was to celebrate the diversity and unity of Malaysia's multi-racial society, as well as to evoke the historic moment when the country became an independent nation.

"It's where we can see the racial diversity, but despite the diversity, there is unity, reflecting the aspirations of the Malaysian Family, namely Togetherness, Inclusiveness and Gratitude.

"This shows the Malaysian Family of various races and religions can be together in one platform which is the Malaysia Day Celebration," he said when interviewed on Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) "Selamat Pagi Malaysia" programme today.

He said various programmes would be held to celebrate the occasion, including performances by local artistes such as Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Ernie Zakri and Jimmy Palikat.

There would also be a diorama of the moments when then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj announced to the nation that Malaya would become an independent country, he added.

Mohammad, who is also the chairman of the Technical Committee for the 2022 National Day and Malaysia Day 2022 celebrations, said preparations for the Sept 16 celebration were now almost 80 per cent ready.

"We pray the event goes smoothly and the weather will be fine... I am inviting the public, not only those in Melaka, but the surrounding states such as in Johor and Negeri Sembilan to come," he said.

-- BERNAMA