SAF BAND, DRILL SQUAD WOW SPECTATORS AT INTERNATIONAL TATTOO

While in Malaysia for a short holiday, some makciks and pakciks found themselves in Merdeka Stadium, shouting themselves hoarse and waving their clappers in the air.

As part of their special Visit Malaysia tour package, the 24 of them were given tickets to attend the Kuala Lumpur International Tattoo 2007 on 7 Sep.

Organised by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism in conjunction with the nation's 50th anniversary of independence, the tattoo was a three-day event that showcased military band music and cultural acts from 13 countries across the world.

Madam Rokiah Abbas and her tour mates reserved their loudest cheers for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Central Band and the Silent Precision Drill Squad (SPDS), who brought their unique blend of entertainment and precision to the tattoo.

With a careful selection of music and iconic formation displays, they were a firm favourite with the Malaysian crowd as well.

Besides evergreen hits such as Singapore Town and Summon the Heroes, the SAF Central Band also played some popular Malay songs like Cindai, Asmaradana and Sejahtera Malaysia.

The spectators were also drawn to identifying the multiple formations presented such as the Twin Towers, Putrajaya, Changi Airport and a flying dove.

"They are excellent!" gushed Madam Rokiah, who was beaming with pride after watching the performance.

"Together with the military police and their rifles, they were so organised and this is the best item we have seen."

Chairman of the Production Working Committee Lieutenant-General (LT-GEN) Dato Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin echoed her views.

The Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces' (MAF) Army Field Command said he was impressed by the entertaining performances of the SAF Central Band and the SPDS.

"Even during the full-dress rehearsal, which was opened to the public, you could see that the crowd was enjoying it," he said. "Combining the band and precision drill was really something."

The compliments were music to the ears of First Sergeant Adam Tan, the administrative and logistics co-coordinator of the SPDS.

"It's great to let the other countries know about us, the standard of our drills and to promote friendship," he said, adding that it was a challenge to find time for joint rehearsals amid their busy ceremonial and guard duties.

"We had to discuss the specifics, right down to whether the beats tally with the drill movements, but the band was really accommodating and patient."

Second Sergeant Muhd Hafis B Amron, who was in charge of the choreographing team and was the drum major for the first time, felt that the whole process from preparation to the final display was a success because everyone kept their focus clear to get the job done.

"We really wanted to show the close ties between Singapore and Malaysia during our display and I think the crowd appreciated that," he said.

Celebrating friendship and exchanging pointers in music and dance was certainly the order of the day.

LT-GEN Dato' Zulkifeli told cyberpioneer that the tattoo was a good opportunity for the participating groups to interact with each other.

He said the various bands even jammed together at the specially-constructed Tattoo Village whenever they had time.

Other groups that participated in the colourful and harmonious extravaganza included armed forces from Jordan, Brunei, France, India, the United States, the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Pakistan, Britain and New Zealand.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia graced the opening ceremony on 8 Sep.

Leading the performances on the three nights were the military bands from the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysian Police, the Wira Kris from the Royal Malaysian Army, the silent drill squad from the Royal Malaysian Navy and gymnasts from the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

An exhibition on the MAF was also held during the three-day tattoo.