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Independence Day (Malaysia)

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Independence Day (Malaysia)

Independence Day (Malay: Hari Merdeka), also known as National Day (Malay: Hari Kebangsaan), is the independence day of the Federation of Malaya from the United Kingdom. It commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957, and is defined in article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia. The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances across the country. The observation of 31 August as Malaysia's national day is the cause of some controversy, especially among East Malaysians, with calls to prioritise the celebration of Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia) on 16 September instead. Malaysia Day commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963, when the four entities of North Borneo, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya federated to form Malaysia as part of the Malaysia Agreement. East Malaysians argue that it is illogical to celebrate 31 August 1957 as Malaysia's national day when Malaysia was only established in 1963, and that the "Federation of Malaya" was a different entity. Supporters of Hari Merdeka argue that "the Federation" as defined in article 160 of the Malaysian constitution is the same "Federation of Malaya" that was first established in 1948 and when it ceased to be a British protectorate on 31 August 1957.

Infobox

Official name
Hari Merdeka or Hari Kemerdekaan
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 2026 (2026-08-31)
Frequency
Annual

Tables

· Themes
1970
1970
Year
1970
Theme
Muhibah dan Perpaduan(Goodwill and Unity)
1971
1971
Year
1971
Theme
Masyarakat Progresif(Progressive Society)
1972
1972
Year
1972
Theme
Masyarakat Adil(Fair Society)
1973
1973
Year
1973
Theme
Masyarakat Berkebudayaan Malaysia(A Society with Malaysian Culture)
1974
1974
Year
1974
Theme
Sains dan Teknologi Alat Perpaduan(Science and Technology as Tools of Unity)
1975
1975
Year
1975
Theme
Masyarakat Berdikari(A Self-Reliant Society)
1976
1976
Year
1976
Theme
Ketahanan Rakyat(Strength of the People)
1977
1977
Year
1977
Theme
20 Tahun Bersatu Maju(20 Years United and Progressive)
1978
1978
Year
1978
Theme
Kebudayaan Sendi Perpaduan(Culture is the Core of Unity)
1979
1979
Year
1979
Theme
Bersatu Berdisplin(United and Disciplined)
1980
1980
Year
1980
Theme
Berdisplin Berbakti(Discipline and Service)
1981
1981
Year
1981
Theme
Berdisplin Berharmoni(Discipline and Harmony)
1982
1982
Year
1982
Theme
Berdisplin Giat Maju(Discipline Creates Progress)
1983
1983
Year
1983
Theme
Bersama Ke Arah Kemajuan(Together Towards Success)
1984
1984
Year
1984
Theme
Amanah Asas Kejayaan(Honesty Brings Success)
1985
1985
Year
1985
Theme
Nasionalisme Teras Perpaduan(Nationalism is the Core of Unity)
1986
1986
Year
1986
Theme
Bangsa Tegas Negara Teguh(Steadfast Society, Strong Country)
1987
1987
Year
1987
Theme
Setia Bersatu Berusaha Maju(Loyally United, Progressively Striving)
1988–1989
1988–1989
Year
1988–1989
Theme
Bersatu(United)
1990
1990
Year
1990
Theme
Berjaya(Successful)
1991
1991
Year
1991
Theme
Wawasan 2020(Vision 2020)
1992
1992
Year
1992
Theme
Wawasan Asas Kemajuan(Vision is the Basis of Progress)
1993
1993
Year
1993
Theme
Bersatu Menuju Wawasan(Together Towards Vision)
1994
1994
Year
1994
Theme
Nilai Murni Jayakan Wawasan(Good Values Makes the Vision a Success)
1995
1995
Year
1995
Theme
Jatidiri Pengerak Wawasan(Steadfastness Moves the Vision Forward)
1996
1996
Year
1996
Theme
Budaya Penantu Kecapaian(Culture Determines Achievements)
1997
1997
Year
1997
Theme
Akhlak Mulia Masyarakat Jaya(Good Values Make a Successful Society)
1998
1998
Year
1998
Theme
Negara Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita(Our Country, Our Responsibility)
1999
1999
Year
1999
Theme
Bersatu Ke Alaf Baru(Together Towards the New Millennium)
2000–2005
2000–2005
Year
2000–2005
Theme
Keranamu Malaysia(Because of you, Malaysia)
2006
2006
Year
2006
Theme
Keranamu Malaysia: Misi Nasional, Penjaya Wawasan(Because of you, Malaysia: National Mission, Visionary Generator)
2007
2007
Year
2007
Theme
Malaysiaku Gemilang(My Glorious Malaysia)
2008
2008
Year
2008
Theme
Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan(Unity Is The Core of Success)
2009
2009
Year
2009
Theme
1 Malaysia: Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan(1 Malaysia: People First, Performance Now)
2010
2010
Year
2010
Theme
1 Malaysia: Menjana Transformasi(1 Malaysia: Transforming the Nation)
2011
2011
Year
2011
Theme
1 Malaysia: Transformasi Berjaya, Rakyat Sejahtera(1 Malaysia: Successful Transformations, Prosperous Citizens)
2012
2012
Year
2012
Theme
55 Tahun Merdeka: Janji Ditepati(55 Years of Independence: Promises Fulfilled)
2013
2013
Year
2013
Theme
Malaysiaku Berdaulat, Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku(My Sovereign Malaysia, The Land Where My Blood Has Spilt)
2014
2014
Year
2014
Theme
Malaysia, Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta(Malaysia, Here Is Where Love Begins)
2015–2016
2015–2016
Year
2015–2016
Theme
Malaysia, Sehati Sejiwa(United, Unified Malaysia)
2017
2017
Year
2017
Theme
Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa(My Country, United and Unified)
2018
2018
Year
2018
Theme
Sayangi Malaysiaku(Love My Malaysia)
2019
2019
Year
2019
Theme
Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih(Love My Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia)
2020–2021
2020–2021
Year
2020–2021
Theme
Malaysia Prihatin(Concerned Malaysia)
2022
2022
Year
2022
Theme
Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama(Malaysian Family: Stronger Together)
2023
2023
Year
2023
Theme
Malaysia MADANI: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan(Civilised Malaysia: Determination of Unity, Fulfilling Hope)
2024
2024
Year
2024
Theme
Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka(Civilised Malaysia: Independent Soul)
2025
2025
Year
2025
Theme
Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni(Civilised Malaysia: The People Are Respected)
Year
Theme
1970
Muhibah dan Perpaduan(Goodwill and Unity)
1971
Masyarakat Progresif(Progressive Society)
1972
Masyarakat Adil(Fair Society)
1973
Masyarakat Berkebudayaan Malaysia(A Society with Malaysian Culture)
1974
Sains dan Teknologi Alat Perpaduan(Science and Technology as Tools of Unity)
1975
Masyarakat Berdikari(A Self-Reliant Society)
1976
Ketahanan Rakyat(Strength of the People)
1977
20 Tahun Bersatu Maju(20 Years United and Progressive)
1978
Kebudayaan Sendi Perpaduan(Culture is the Core of Unity)
1979
Bersatu Berdisplin(United and Disciplined)
1980
Berdisplin Berbakti(Discipline and Service)
1981
Berdisplin Berharmoni(Discipline and Harmony)
1982
Berdisplin Giat Maju(Discipline Creates Progress)
1983
Bersama Ke Arah Kemajuan(Together Towards Success)
1984
Amanah Asas Kejayaan(Honesty Brings Success)
1985
Nasionalisme Teras Perpaduan(Nationalism is the Core of Unity)
1986
Bangsa Tegas Negara Teguh(Steadfast Society, Strong Country)
1987
Setia Bersatu Berusaha Maju(Loyally United, Progressively Striving)
1988–1989
Bersatu(United)
1990
Berjaya(Successful)
1991
Wawasan 2020(Vision 2020)
1992
Wawasan Asas Kemajuan(Vision is the Basis of Progress)
1993
Bersatu Menuju Wawasan(Together Towards Vision)
1994
Nilai Murni Jayakan Wawasan(Good Values Makes the Vision a Success)
1995
Jatidiri Pengerak Wawasan(Steadfastness Moves the Vision Forward)
1996
Budaya Penantu Kecapaian(Culture Determines Achievements)
1997
Akhlak Mulia Masyarakat Jaya(Good Values Make a Successful Society)
1998
Negara Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita(Our Country, Our Responsibility)
1999
Bersatu Ke Alaf Baru(Together Towards the New Millennium)
2000–2005
Keranamu Malaysia(Because of you, Malaysia)
2006
Keranamu Malaysia: Misi Nasional, Penjaya Wawasan(Because of you, Malaysia: National Mission, Visionary Generator)
2007
Malaysiaku Gemilang(My Glorious Malaysia)
2008
Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan(Unity Is The Core of Success)
2009
1 Malaysia: Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan(1 Malaysia: People First, Performance Now)
2010
1 Malaysia: Menjana Transformasi(1 Malaysia: Transforming the Nation)
2011
1 Malaysia: Transformasi Berjaya, Rakyat Sejahtera(1 Malaysia: Successful Transformations, Prosperous Citizens)
2012
55 Tahun Merdeka: Janji Ditepati(55 Years of Independence: Promises Fulfilled)
2013
Malaysiaku Berdaulat, Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku(My Sovereign Malaysia, The Land Where My Blood Has Spilt)
2014
Malaysia, Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta(Malaysia, Here Is Where Love Begins)
2015–2016
Malaysia, Sehati Sejiwa(United, Unified Malaysia)
2017
Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa(My Country, United and Unified)
2018
Sayangi Malaysiaku(Love My Malaysia)
2019
Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih(Love My Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia)
2020–2021
Malaysia Prihatin(Concerned Malaysia)
2022
Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama(Malaysian Family: Stronger Together)
2023
Malaysia MADANI: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan(Civilised Malaysia: Determination of Unity, Fulfilling Hope)
2024
Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka(Civilised Malaysia: Independent Soul)
2025
Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni(Civilised Malaysia: The People Are Respected)

References

  1. "Starchild: Malaysian children are in high spirits to celebrate Merdeka Day." The Star. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 1 Sept
    https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/family/2021/08/27/starchild-malaysian-children-are-in-high-spirits-to-celebrate-merdeka-day
  2. Adila Sharinni Wahid. "Ceriakan anak-anak polis pada Hari Merdeka." Sinar Harian. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 1 September
    https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/158685/KHAS/Cerita-Merdeka/Ceriakan-anak-anak-polis-pada-Hari-Merdeka
  3. 50 Years of Malaysia: Federalism Revisited
  4. Malaysia and the European Union – Perspectives for the Twenty-First Century (Freiburg Studies in Social Anthropology / Freiburger Sozialanthropologische Studien)
  5. Malaysia Act 1963
    http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1963/35/section/1
  6. "Stop celebrating 'Hari Merdeka Malaysia'"
    https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/354039
  7. The Borneo Post
    http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/09/11/emphasis-should-be-on-sept-16-not-aug-31/
  8. Sejarah perjuangan bangsa Melayu : suatu penyingkapan kembali sejarah perjuangan bangsa Melayu menuju kemerdekaan
    https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/959796594
  9. www.malaysia.gov.my
    https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/30120
  10. Di atas runtuhan kota Melaka kita dirikan negara baru : pengisytiharan kemerdekaan di Bandar Hilir, Melaka, 20 Februari 1956
    https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/607250142
  11. "1957: Malaya celebrates independence"
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/31/newsid_3534000/3534340.stm
  12. "Detik Jam Tengah Malam Di Padang Kelab Selangor"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20111007210716/http://www.arkib.gov.my/padang_kelab_selangor
  13. "Pengisytiharan Kemerdekaan Tanah Melayu"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20111007210758/http://www.arkib.gov.my/pengisytiharan_kemerdekaan_tanah_melayu
  14. Critical Military Studies
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23337486.2023.2268958
  15. Merdeka celebration in Kuching Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
    http://www.kennysia.com/archives/2006/08/merdeka_celebra.php
  16. "Keadilan's plans for Merdeka" Archived 26 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Daily Express, 29 August 2007.
    http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=52370
  17. Aznam, Suhaini, "Celebrating Malaysia Day", 24 September 2007.
    https://web.archive.org/web/20090211214244/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F9%2F24%2Ffocus%2F18976180&sec=focus
  18. The Star
    https://web.archive.org/web/20170629225836/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2f2009%2f10%2f19%2fnation%2f20091019103509&sec=nation
  19. 50 Fakta Rukun Negara[permanent dead link] (PDF) (in Malay). National Archives of Malaysia. 2020. p. 45.
    http://rn50.arkib.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/eBook-rn50-2.pdf
  20. Perpustakaan Sultanah Bahiyah
    https://library.uum.edu.my/merdeka-celebration-theme-and-logo/
  21. www.umt.edu.my
    https://www.umt.edu.my/index.php?go=highlight&id=103
  22. Malaysiakini
    https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/347395
  23. The Star
    https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2018/08/20/united-in-celebrating-merdeka
  24. Malaysiakini
    https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/485259
  25. The Star
    https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/28/malaysia-prihatin-unveiled-as-the-theme-as-pm-launches-merdeka-celebrations
  26. www.thestar.com.my
    https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/01/national-day-logo-theme-symbolises-strength-and-togetherness
  27. New Straits Times
    https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/913870/malaysia-madani-logo-selected-official-logo-national-day-and-malaysia-day
  28. The Star
    https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/05/national-day-and-malaysia-day-celebration-shows-multi-racial-united-malaysia-says-fahmi
  29. Astro Awani
    https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/kementerian-pejabat-kerajaan-wajib-mainkan-lagu-malaysia-madani-rakyat-disantuni-fahmi-531883
  30. "Rais seeks views on Merdeka theme song", Malaysiakini, 1 August 2012.
    http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/205087
  31. "At Dataran Merdeka, Malaysians turn out in droves to celebrate National Day"
    https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/08/31/at-dataran-merdeka-malaysians-turn-out-in-droves-to-celebrate-national-day/25681
  32. Daily Express
    http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=91038
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