The controversial 'F***MErde-ka NITE' in Bangsar Utama, Kuala Lumpur, went on uninterrupted despite strong rumours that a police team might come knocking.

The so-called 'alternative' Merdeka celebrations had made it to the pages of local Malay tabloid Kosmo the day before. The paper branded it as a night of drug-filled obscenity.

Its controversial theme even became the subject of a police investigation and there were intense speculations of a possible raid.

However, the men in blue decided to give the bash, attended by some 100 people, a skip.

Participants were treated to energetic performances, songs and patriotic poetry. The party was also renamed Konsert Lucah Merdeka or 'obscene Merdeka concert' in relation to the Kosmo report.

The bash was also more subdued compared to the parties raging in the nation's watering hole capital in Bangsar Baru just a stone's throw away.

In a previous malaysiakini report, it's principal organiser and former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee Hishamuddin Rais said the event was an avenue for those who could not celebrate Merdeka in a grand manner.

'That's my money'

The celebrations kicked off with Saujana Impian Gegendang, a nine-piece percussions ensemble from Kajang.

Rahmat Harun followed with a satirical Merdeka day poem which had the audience in stiches, while the multi-talented Bernice Chauly mesmerised the audience with her poem about the struggle for freedom.

At the stroke of midnight, the crowd turned their attention to the Petronas Twin Towers in anticipation of the fireworks display.

While most of the display was blocked by the numerous buildings littered across Kuala Lumpur, the gathering cheered and wowed every time they caught a glimpse of the exploding colours.

A few also shouted 'Itu duit aku' or 'that's my money' whenever a flash was spotted.

The crowd then danced the night away to the rhythms of Paul Lau and the Tugu Negara Percussion Ensemble.

The event was held on the rooftop of a four-storey building which houses, among others, the malaysiakini office.