Malaysia Independence Day Flag
 

Malaysia Independence Day, also known as National Day or ‘Hari Merdeka’ in Malay is observed on August 31 and commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957.  Thus, 2023 is going to witness the grand 66th Independence Day of Malaysia. It is defined in Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia as the official independence day when it gained its freedom from the British colonial administration. Usually, the celebrations start from the beginning of August with various programs and national competitions. Owing to the celebrations, the month of August is also known as the National Month.

History of Malaysia Independence Day

The efforts for the independence of Malaysia were headed by the first Malaysian prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. He led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya to negotiate with the British for independence.

When the threat of a communist revolt, posed during the Malayan Emergency gradually became less, an agreement was reached on February 8, 1956, for Malaysia to gain independence from the British Empire. However due to some logistical and administrative reasons, their actual independence was declared in the following year on August 31, 1957.

On the night of August 30, 1957, crowds gathered at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur to witness the handover of power from the British. At the stroke of midnight, the Union Jack in the square was lowered. The new Flag of Malaysia was raised as the national anthem Negaraku was played. This was followed by seven chants of “Merdeka” by the crowd.

 Independence  Day  Timeline

Year                                               Events

1948 Malayan Emergency was declared throughout by the British after the revolution from the                          communist party to overthrow the ruling party

1956 The Treaty of London was established to bring up the Federation of Malaya

1957 The Federation of Malaya is granted independence from Britain after 50 years of colonial                         rule.

1963 Federation of Malaysia was formed which consisted of the Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak,                   and Singapore .


Malaysia National Day Theme 2023

Every year Malaysia National Day is observed on August 31 and a specific theme is allotted. The Malaysia National Day Theme 2023 is “Malaysia Madani: Unity Determined, Fulfilling Hope.”


 Malaysia Independence Day Celebrated

How is Malaysia Independence Day Celebrated?

Malaysia’s Independence Day is observed with a full ceremony and parade, meaning the whole unity and love of Malaysians of all cultures and creeds.

The whole city will be decorated and celebrated with lights and sparks
The ceremony stations on Merdeka Square in the morning, the opening position of a magnificent parade. The King and administration leaders sit amongst the viewers.

The Malaysian Flag will be waved and displayed all over with much pride and care
Many competitions and fun events will be displayed and conducted.

The whole nation comes under the umbrella of love and pride together to celebrate the victory of their nation.



 Malaysia Independence Day Merdeka Parade 

The Merdeka Parade 

Hari Merdeka is observed enthusiastically every August 31 with a massive celebration and parade known as the Merdeka Parade. Lots of politicians and VIPs take their turns at the microphone on stage, then the fun begins. A royal procession, cultural performances, military demonstration, intricate floats, sporting events, and other interesting diversions fill the day. Grab a flag and start waving it!

The Merdeka Parade went on tour to different parts of Malaysia but regularly returns to Merdeka Square, where it all began.

From 2011 to 2017, the celebration was held at Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) — not far from the Perdana Lake Gardens and Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. In 2018, the parade was moved to Putra Square, a square in Putrajaya just south of the city. Ask any local where to find the parade this year. Get there in the morning (taking a train is the best way) or you may not find room to stand!

The Difference Between Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day
The two often get confused by non-Malaysians. Both holidays are patriotic national holidays, but there's a big difference. Adding to the confusion, sometimes Hari Merdeka is called "National Day" (Hari Kebangsaan) instead of Independence Day. Then in 2011, the Merdeka Parade, usually on Hari Merdeka, was celebrated for the first time ever on Malaysia Day instead. Confused yet?

Although the Federation of Malaya gained independence in 1957, the name Malaysia was not adopted until 1963. September 16 became known as Malaysia Day, and since 2010, it's celebrated as a national holiday. The federation was comprised of North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak in Borneo, along with Singapore.

Singapore was later expelled from the federation on August 9, 1965, and became an independent nation.

 Interesting Facts about Malaysia
  • Merdeka means Independence.
  • The Nation received independence from the British Empire in 1957.
  • Malaysia was originally known by Federation of Malaya.
  • The proclamation was read by a Malay royalty Tunku Abdul Rahman
  • The road to Independence wasn’t a one-man show. Tunku Abdul Rahman didn’t go to the Lancaster House in London by himself.
  • The declaration was made at Dataran Merdeka earlier known as the Royal Selangor Club field.
  • ‘Merdeka’ was not hailed thrice.
  • Negaraku was formerly a state anthem
  • Tunku Abdul Rahman became the Father of Independence
  • Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined later on and a new federation was born in 1963.
  • Ethnic Malays value for about half of Malaysia’s expected 31 million people. Other important groups add Chinese, Indians and many indigenous communities.
  • Malaysia has a different rotating power mode, in which nine ethnic Malay state leaders take services as King for five-year intervals.
  • The nation is made up of a couple of central landmasses, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.
  • The Sarawak Cave Chamber is the biggest public cave chamber in the world. It is seen in Gunung Mulu National Park, on the land of Borneo.
  • The Malaysia currency is the ringgit
  • Four UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites are found in Malaysia: Kinabalu Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, the historic towns of Melaka, George Town, and the archaeological legacy section of the Lenggong Valley. of Malaysia was formed which consisted of the Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore
Why Malaysia Independence Day Is Important 

It inspires the spirit of patriotism
It is the day when Malaysia gained independence from the British Empire. This day, on the one hand, demonstrates the significance of freedom and, on the other hand, it unites the whole nation under one flag.

It acts as historical and cultural symbolism
Any nation that possesses certain symbols feels pride in owning and celebrating them. The day bears historical and cultural importance and people celebrate it to demonstrate the significance of freedom.

It fosters love and responsibility for the country
The day presents an opportunity to relearn the philosophy behind the formation of Malaysia and cultivate a sense of love and responsibility for the country.

Independence Day Faqs
What is the difference between Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day?
Malaysia Day is on September 16 and marks the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. Hari Merdeka is celebrated on 31 August as the original independence day of Malaysia.

Who brought Islam to Malaysia?
Islam is thought to have been brought to Malaysia around the 12th century by Indian traders. In the early 15th century the Malacca Sultanate, commonly considered the first independent state in the peninsula, was founded.

What does ‘Merdeka’ mean?
Merdeka is a word in the Indonesian and Malay language, meaning ‘independent’ or ‘free.’