Malaysia Day and Merdeka Day are often confusing occasions among many locals and foreigners. It may seem odd that we have two special national holidays. But it is undeniable that each one is infused with stories of sacrifice and liberation. As a result, the government recognises both days as honoured days. In this blog, we will take you on a journey about Malaysia Day and its fun facts.
Why are Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day Different?
The Malaysian Federation was founded on the 16th of September 1963, and that day is recognised as Malaysia Day. Malaysia was created by the union of the Malaya Federation, the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the former British Colony of Singapore. However, on the 9th of August 1965, two years after joining the Federation, Singapore left.
On the 31st of August 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj held constitutional negotiations and established an independent commission in London in early January 1956. This opened the way for the country’s independence. Tunku announced that Malaya would become independent on the 31st of August 1957. Hence, the 31st of August is Merdeka Day.
Read more: Merdeka Day on the 65th year
When did Malaysia Day become an official public holiday, and Who took the initiative?
This day marks the beginning of a new era in which they wanted to develop the nation and consolidate the independence they had won in 1957. However, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak only declared it a public holiday in 2010 to strengthen our identity and educate the populace about their ancestors’ sacrifices to win the independence we now enjoy.
Fun Facts you didn’t know about Malaysia Day
In this section, we will break you fun facts you might not hear of. Sounds interesting right? Do you want to make it more fun? Test and educate your friends and family on these fun facts and if they say you are out of your mind, share this post!
Fun Fact 1
- Malaysia Day and Merdeka Day were supposed to fall on the same date
Malaysia Day was initially scheduled for the 31st of August 1963. Still, it was postponed to the 16th of September while the United Nations (UN) continued investigating if North Borneo and Sarawak favoured it. Apart from that, the government recognised that these days had brought a different stage of development. This happened with the efforts of former fighters for the land. Hence, it also deserves a day on its own to be celebrated!
Fun Fact 2
- The formation of Malaysia Day was opposed.
The Malaysia Federation was a notion that not everyone supported. The state of Kelantan even sued Tunku Abdul Rahman! Six days before Malaysia Day, this incident took place. Fortunately, on the 14th of September, the case was thrown out, giving Tunku Abdul Rahman the victory!
Fun Fact 3
- Malaysian Flag Hidden Story
When Malaysia was established in 1963, a new flag was adopted. However, did you know that the general population chose the original Federation of Malaya flag in 1950? The Malay Mail arranged a poll for the public to vote on their favourite design as part of a national design competition.
One of the points in the star on the Malaysian flag was chosen to symbolise Singapore because it was one of the states that joined the federation. It wasn’t taken off, nevertheless, after departing Malaysia in 1965. When Kuala Lumpur joined as a Federal Territory on the 1st of February 1974, it was later appropriated to stand in for that city.
What do we understand from Malaysia Day?
Malaysia Day honours the ties of friendship between Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaysia. These countries overcame their difficulties and came together to form a unified federation, making today a victory day. This day promotes peace and harmony. The way the diverse nations of Singapore, Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak came together in the face of difficulties is a beautiful illustration of an alliance. Hence, we as Malaysians should be proud as the former prime ministers and people of those days fought for Malaysia to be independent, strong and developed.
