Many countries around the world celebrate their independence day, a date that marks their freedom from foreign colonizers and shows their strength and patriotism. Malaysia has their Hari Merdeka held every August 31. In 2013, the country will celebrate its 56th Independence Day.
But did you know that Malaysia actually has two holidays that are related to independence? There is Hari Merdeka, and Malaysia Day which is held every September 16. While both are independent of each other, the roots of each one is intertwined that it would be impossible to talk about Malaysia Day without tackling Hari Merdeka.
The Roots of Malaysia Day
Six years after Malaya was declared independent from the British rule, the Federation of Malaysia was established. It joined together Malaya, North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore. Its initial date from June 1, 1963 was moved to August 31, but it was again postponed when Indonesia and the Philippines voiced their protests. The United Nations and the Cobbold Commission took a general vote in North Borneo and Sarawak about their interest to participate in the creation of the new federation. With an overwhelming positive response, Malaysia was finally established on September 16, 1963 and what is now the present date of Malaysia Day.
Protests on Limited Celebrations
The celebration of Malaysia Day was initially a public holiday only in East Malaysia. However, more people from other states (particularly in Sabah and Sarawak) felt that it would promote a better sense of nationalistic pride if both Merdeka and Malaysia Day would be celebrated with equal importance. Many feel that the celebration is too focused on Malaya, where in fact states like Sarawak and Sabah were equal partners with Malaya when Malaysia was established in 1963. Many ethnic groups also felt ignored, and pushed for a country-wide observation of the holiday.
Nationwide Public Holiday
In 2009, after an open forum at the Malaysian Parliament, Prime Minister Najib Razak decided that from 2010 onwards, Malaysia Day will be a public holiday celebrated by the entire nation.
Celebrations in Malaysia
While the Malaysia Day celebrations are somewhat subdued compared to the grandeur of Hari Merdeka, it is nonetheless held much in high esteem. Many communities hold activities focus on themes that reflects the traditions, culture and people of Malaysia. Schools and organizations would hold contests for children to encourage them to be more patriotic. The celebration may be fairly new for most of Malaysia, but it doesn’t dim its importance to their history and pride.
Photo by phalinn
