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MERDEKA DAY
Background & Trivia
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Every year on August 31, National Day, also known as Merdeka Day, is celebrated to honor the nation's soldiers and reignite the spirit of ethnic unification and patriotism. The celebration takes place at Putrajaya or Dataran Merdeka and is a highlight event for both foreign and Malaysian tourists. The event features various cultural performances, live patriotic songs, and a march by thousands of people from different sectors. The event also includes displays by the nation's security and law enforcement agencies, such as the Royal Malaysian Police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
The Theme for Malaysia's 2024 Independence Day
"Malaysia Madani: Spirit of Independence".
The logo for the celebration includes the word "Malaysia Madani". The theme represents the independent spirit of Malaysians and their love for their country, which is shown through unity, social cohesion, and a strong economy. The logo's colors and symbols have specific meanings:
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Blue Circle
Represents unity among Malaysians
Yellow Crescent and Star
Represent Malaysia as a constitutional monarchy
Red
Reflects the brave spirit of Malaysians
White
Represents the sincerity and peace of an independent nation
BACKGROUND MERDEKA MALAYSIA
1957's Independence Day Historical Moment
On the night of August 30, 1957, over 20,000 people gathered at Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) in Kuala Lumpur to witness the transfer of power from the British. Prime Minister-designate Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj arrived at 11:58 p.m and joined members of the Alliance Party's youth divisions in observing two minutes of darkness. At the stroke of midnight, the lights were switched back on, and the Union Flag in the square was lowered as the royal anthem "God Save The Queen" played. The new Flag of Malaya was raised, accompanied by the national anthem Negaraku. The crowd then chanted "Merdeka" seven times. Tunku Abdul Rahman later delivered a speech, hailing the ceremony as the "greatest moment in the life of the Malayan people". Before addressing the crowd, he was presented with a necklace by representatives of the Alliance Party's youth, commemorating the historic occasion, with a map of Malaya inscribed on it. The event concluded at 1 a.m.
On the morning of August 31, 1957, a celebration was held at the newly completed Merdeka Stadium. Over 20,000 people attended the ceremony, which began at 9:30 am. The attendees included the rulers of the Malay states, foreign dignitaries, members of the federal cabinet, and citizens. The Duke of Gloucester, the Queen's representative, presented Tunku Abdul Rahman with the instrument of independence. Tunku then read the Proclamation of Independence, with the crowd joining in the chanting of "Merdeka!" seven times. The ceremony continued with the raising of the National Flag of Malaya, accompanied by the national anthem played by a military band and a 21-gun salute. This was followed by an azan call and a thanksgiving prayer in honor of this momentous occasion.
The day continued with the formal installation of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan, at Jalan Ampang, and an installation banquet in his honor in the evening. The evening's events included a beating retreat performance and a fireworks display. Various sports and other events also celebrated the birth of the new nation.
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TRIVIA MALAYSIA
'' N E G A R A K U ''
Malaysia's national anthem, Negaraku ("My Country" in English), was created in 1957 to celebrate the country's independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1957. The anthem was first performed at midnight on that day at the Selangor Club field.
The anthem's lyrics were written by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the former Prime Minister, and a Special Committee with the approval of the Malay Sultans. The melody is based on the Perak state anthem, "Allah Lanjutkan Usia Sultan", which was chosen for its "Traditional Flavor". The anthem emphasizes loyalty and unity for the progress of Malaysia.
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