Performers rehearse for the Merdeka Day parade in front of the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.

Malaysia celebrates its 61st Merdeka on Aug 31, the first under the leadership of the new Pakatan Harapan government.

The theme for the celebration this year is 'Sayangi  Malaysiaku' (Love My Malaysia), with the official theme song bearing the title "Kita Punya Malaysia" (Our Malaysia).