The government has spent over RM100 million to commemorate the golden jubilee of Malaysia's independence, according to the Finance Ministry.

In Kuala Lumpur alone, RM51 million was spent on the occasion, while RM8 million was spent on the 'Jalur Gemilang', a campaign to promote the flying of the national flag.

Deputy Finance Minister Dr Awang Adek told Parliament on Tuesday said the costs were justified to create a sense of national unity.

At first Awang said the original estimates for the celebrations under the Prime Minister's Department was RM74 million but there was an additional supplementary request of RM18.25 million, making up a total of RM93 million.

There was also an allocation of RM7.2 million for all parliamentary constituencies to celebrate the occasion by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.

The government spent RM38 million for the Merdeka anniversary in 2006 and RM35 million in 2005.

"He said with 26 million population, the RM100 million tag worked out to about RM3 or RM4 per person once in 50 years, symbolising the peace, harmony and welfare enjoyed by the people," Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang quoted the deputy minister as saying in his blog.

50th Merdeka anniversary draw down

Aug 17

Launch of Merdeka anniversary celebrations and raising the Jalur Gemilang (in Melaka) - RM3 million

Aug 30

Ambang Merdeka (Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur) - RM8.2 million

Aug 31

Merdeka Parade (Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur) - RM26 million
Merdeka Tea Party - RM100,000
Massive Merdeka celebrations (Merdeka Stadium, KL) - RM17 million

Sept 10

Close of Merdeka anniversary celebrations (Kuching) - RM4 million

Fly Jalur Gemilang campaign - RM8.5 million