KUALA LUMPUR: Were you aware that the national anthem's fast-march beat had been changed to a slower tempo?

Apparently, not many people were, admits Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir who said the change was approved by the cabinet.

The ministry had informed the public, he said when commenting on the lack of uniformity in the Negaraku beat as both versions were heard at functions.

The fast-march beat was introduced in 1992 and the current tempo, arranged by composer Datuk Wah Idris, was first played in public during the 2003 National Day celebrations.

Earlier, Abdul Kadir met heads of religious bodies to discuss the Merdeka celebrations. 

He said that nine religious ceremonies would be held ahead of Aug 31 to pray for the country's well-being.

The Muslim special prayer will be held at the National Mosque at 12.45pm Friday followed by the Hindu ceremony at 6pm, the Buddhist and Bahai prayers on Saturday and Christian and Taoist prayers on Sunday.