Independence Day of Malaysia Celebrate on 31 August. On this day in 1957, the country gained independence from the British. Today Malaysia is moving forward as an independent country. When exchanging greetings on Independence Day, say: Selamat Hari Mardeka! The Day, also known as National Day or ‘Hari Merdeka’ in Malay is celebrated annually on August 31st and it commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence.
On August 31, 1957, at exactly 9:30 in the morning, Malay Chief Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman read the Declaration of Independence in the presence of thousands of people (about 20,000 people), foreign guests and members of the federal government and local rulers. Since then Malaysia is an independent country.
Malaysia Independence Day 2023
Usually, the celebrations of this festival 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 in Malaysia.
| Event | Malaysia Independence Day |
|---|---|
| Date | August 31, 2023 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Significance | The date commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence from the British Empire |
| Observed by | Malaysia |
Malaysia Independence Day History
The country gained independence from the British on August 31, 1957 in a bloodless process. On August 31, this country, known as the Europe of Asia, will enter the 66th year of independence. It is the greatest day of glory and pride in the history of Malaysia. On this day, the Malay nation made its debut on the world map with its own territory.
The British first settled in Penang, Malaysia. First British rule was fully established in the Malay Peninsula in 1819. At that time, the British rulers had good relations with the ruling sultans of different areas of Malaya. In 1824, the Anglo-Dutch Treaty was signed to consolidate British rule over Malaya. According to this treaty, the Malay Islands were divided into two parts between Britain and the Netherlands.
By 1826, the British established absolute rule over Penang, Malacca, Labuan Island. A British colony was established there. British East India ruled here directly until 1867. According to the Treaty of Pangkor signed in 1874, the Sultans of different states got the opportunity to rule the British territories. The British established tin and gold mines in these areas. Apart from this, various types of spice and crop gardens were established. At this time rubber cultivation also started.
The Malay Valley became a battlefield during World War II. The area was devastated by the Japanese invasion. The British resisted in the Malay region with the help of China, French. After the war, the Malayan Union was formed on 1 April 1946. At this time, the spirit of independence was born in the Malay region.
Local residents started a movement against the British rule. The Federation of Malaya was formed on 31 January 1948. The Malayan region was destabilized by the independence movement. Finally, on 31 August 1957, Tengku Abdur Rahman declared the independence of the then Malaya. Federation of Malaysia was formed in 1963.
Malaysia Independence Day Celebrations
Due to various restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was no grand ceremony on Malaysia’s Independence Day in the last two years. But this year extensive preparations are being made to celebrate independence in a grand manner.
Starting from the alleys of villages and towns to the wide roads of the city, all places are being decorated in various ways. Malaysian flags of blue, red and yellow are flying across the streets. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is also covered in colorful banners and festoons.
The slogan of Malaysia’s Independence Day this year is ‘Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama’ which means ‘We will build the country together’. The Independence Day state ceremony will be held at the historic Dataran Merdeka Square in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, with around 50,000 people in attendance.
Malaysia Independence Day Quotes, Wishes and Messages
- Let us all come together to help our glorious nation move forward. Happy Hari Merdeka Malaysia National Day!
- Independence gave us the opportunity to govern the country according to our vision, hopes and dreams as a sovereign nation.
- One Nation, One Vision, One Identity…No nation is perfect, it has to be made so. Happy Hari Merdeka Malaysia National Day.
- Happy Independence Day to you. Today let’s celebrate those who shed their blood for our freedom. They are the ones who deserve the glory!
- We need more people like you who are loyal and honest to this country. Happy Independence Day to the most inspiring person I’ve ever met!
- “Independence comes with responsibility and on Malaysia Independence Day, we as the citizens of Malaysia must fulfill all our responsibilities to keep our nation safe and growing.”
- Let’s honor the valiant heroes who made us the proudest of all human and mightiest of all nation. May the glory of this day be your inspiration for tomorrow!
- “Today we can enjoy freedom and independence, enjoy the comforts and rights we are given as a citizen…. Wishing you a very Happy Malaysia Independence Day my dear.”
- Always stand for what you believe, stand for what is right and stand for what you desire. True freedom lies where the mind is without fear. Happy independence day of Malaysia 2022!
- “Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Let new India arise out of peasants’ cottage, grasping the plow, out of huts, cobbler, and sweeper.” – Swami Vivekananda
- “May the sun in his course visit no land freer, happier, more lovely, than this our country!” – Sardar Bhagat Singh!
- “If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins. For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland.” – Chandra Shekhar Azad
FAQs on Malaysia Independence Day:
1. When is Malaysia Independence Day is celebrated?
Malaysia Independence Day is celebrated annually on 31st August.
2. What does ‘Merdeka’ mean?
Merdeka is a word in the Indonesian and Malay language, meaning ‘independent’ or ‘free.’
3. When is Malaysia Day is celebrated?
Malaysia Day is annually celebrated on 16th September.
