Independence Day (Malaysia) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Independence Day
Children waving the Malaysian flag on Independence Day in 2012
Official name	Hari Merdeka
Also called	National Day (Hari Kebangsaan)
Observed by	Malaysians
Type	National
Significance	Marks the independence of the Federation of Malaya
Celebrations	Malaysian Independence Day parade
Date	31 August
Next time	31 August 2025 (2025-08-31)
Frequency	Annual

Independence Day (also known as Hari Merdeka) is a very important day for Malaysia. It celebrates when the Federation of Malaya became independent from the British Empire. This happened on 31 August 1957. The day is remembered with special events and celebrations all over the country.

Some people think that 31 August shouldn't be the main national day. They believe Malaysia Day on 16 September is more important. Malaysia Day celebrates when Malaysia was officially formed in 1963. This was when four areas – North Borneo, Sarawak, Singapore, and Malaya – joined together. People from East Malaysia often feel that celebrating 31 August mostly focuses on Malaya, not the whole country. However, supporters of Hari Merdeka say that the "Federation" mentioned in Malaysia's constitution refers to the Federation of Malaya from 1957.

Journey to Independence

The journey to independence was led by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. He later became Malaysia's first Prime Minister. He worked with other leaders like Tan Cheng Lock and V. T. Sambanthan. They talked with the British in London to gain Merdeka, which means independence.

After Malays, Indians, and Chinese people united, an agreement was made. On 8 February 1956, it was decided that Malaya would become independent. The official announcement happened later, on 31 August 1957. This special event took place at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. The stadium was built just for these celebrations.

Independence Day: 31 August 1957

On the night of 30 August 1957, over 20,000 people gathered. They were at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur. Everyone was there to see the British hand over power. Tunku Abdul Rahman arrived just before midnight. At exactly midnight, the lights came back on. The British flag, called the Union Flag, was lowered. Then, the new Flag of Malaya was raised. The national anthem, Negaraku, played. The crowd cheered "Merdeka!" seven times. Tunku Abdul Rahman called it the "greatest moment" for the Malayan people.

The next morning, on 31 August 1957, celebrations continued. They moved to the new Merdeka Stadium. More than 20,000 people watched the ceremony. Important guests included rulers from Malay states and leaders from other countries. The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, representing The Queen, gave Tunku Abdul Rahman the official document of independence. Tunku then read the Malayan Declaration of Independence. The crowd again chanted "Merdeka!" seven times. The National Flag of Malaya was raised with a military band playing. There was also a 21-gun salute.

Later that day, the first king, Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan, was officially installed. The day ended with a banquet and fireworks. Sports events also marked the birth of the new nation.

How Malaysia Was Formed

The country of Malaysia was officially created on 16 September 1963. It brought together the states of the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore. This date was chosen because some countries, like Indonesia and the Philippines, were against the idea. Indonesia even started a military conflict. They thought Malaysia was a new way for Britain to control the region.

To show that Malaysia was truly independent, the United Nations conducted a survey. They interviewed many people to see if they wanted to join Malaysia. The Cobbold Commission also checked if people in North Borneo and Sarawak wanted to join. Their findings showed strong support for Malaysia. This cleared the way for Malaysia to be formed.

The formation of Malaysia is celebrated on Malaysia Day, 16 September. For many years, Hari Merdeka on 31 August was the main national holiday. Malaysia Day was only a holiday in East Malaysia. This made some East Malaysians feel left out. In 2009, it was decided that starting in 2010, Malaysia Day would also be a public holiday across the whole country.

Yearly Themes

Each year, Independence Day has a special theme. These themes often focus on unity, progress, and national pride. For example, in 1970, the theme was Muhibah dan Perpaduan (Goodwill and Unity). In 2007, it was Malaysiaku Gemilang (My Glorious Malaysia).

Some themes have caused discussion. The 2012 theme, 55 Tahun Merdeka: Janji Ditepati (55 Years of Independence: Promises Fulfilled), was seen by some as too political. It was similar to a campaign slogan.

The 2020 and 2021 themes, Malaysia Prihatin (Concerned Malaysia), were chosen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They recognized how Malaysians cared for each other. In 2022, the parade returned after a break due to the pandemic. The theme was Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama (Malaysian Family: Stronger Together). In 2023, the theme was 'Malaysia Madani: Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope'. This theme aimed to strengthen unity and achieve shared goals for Malaysia.

Discussion About Anniversary Celebrations

Legally, Hari Merdeka is the independence day for the "federation" that was formed in 1957. However, starting in 2015, the government decided not to mention the number of years since independence during celebrations. This was to include Sabah and Sarawak more, as they became independent from British rule in a different year.

A minister from Sarawak, James Jemut Masing, said that Malaysia Day on 16 September should be the main day for national unity. He explained that 31 August is the independence day for Malaya and Sabah, but not for Sarawak. He said that before 16 September 1963, Malaysia didn't exist. On that date, four independent areas – Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and North Borneo – agreed to form Malaysia.

Images for kids

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  Children waving the Malaysian flag on Independence Day in 2012

See also

• Hari Merdeka Parade
• North Borneo Self-government Day
• Sarawak Self-government Day
• Malaysia Day
• Merdeka 118