500 KK Polytechnic undergraduates join Merdeka Day celebration

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KOTA KINABALU: Jusmiah Abiddin got out of bed extra early yesterday, as the teenager had to meet up with friends at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in Likas by 4.30am.

The 19-year-old is actually part of the cheer leading team for the Sabah state-level Independence Day celebration.

The Diploma in Business undergraduate from Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic did not mind the strenuous training at all.

“I guess this is my way of showing appreciation to the sacrifices of our past leaders and heroes to bring independence to us all today,” said Jusmiah.

She said it was important for the younger generation to learn history on how the past leaders and heroes fought for the nation.

“The younger generation must understand the true meaning of independence,” she said.

As for the cheer leading, it took them about two weeks to get their steps and moves right.

A total of 500 undergraduates from the institute took part in the cheer leading team.

As for the celebration, it was held moderately, with just about 2,000 people thronging the area as early as 7.30am.

Jusmiah’s friend, Andi Sabrina, 19, who is doing her Diploma in Accountancy at the institute said the hot sun did not deter her from joining the cheer leading team.

“This is my second time joining, and it never fails to amuse me,” she said.