August 31, 2022 is celebrated as the 65th Anniversary of Malaysian independence from the British and the establishment of the Federation of Malaya, which eventually became Malaysia.

For 2022, the organizers adopted the theme “Keluarga Malaysia, Teguh Bersama” which literally means the people living in the country are included, thankful and united in achieving the best for the country. The symbol, based on the internationally recognized Wi-Fi Signal, aims to show the values of national patriotism, celebrating diversity and adapting the latest technology to aid its continued development. The Wifi signal also symbolizes Malaysia’s progress in digitization and communication that provided convenience and happiness to its people. “Keluarga Malaysia” means “Malaysian Family” and depicts its diversity of races such Malays, Chinese, Indian, Christians, and others.

The public can expect national day parades hosted all over the country. However, the main event is celebrated in Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, the Kembara Keluarga Malaysia (KKM2022) vehicle convoy, which will cover every state, is also planned as part of the celebrations.

CPSC joins its Malaysian brothers and sisters on this special day and wishes “Selamat Hari Kebangsaan” or “Happy National Day” for their continued economic and social development enhancement with more progress and prosperity in all areas undertaken.

Background and History

31 August 1957 marks the day that the Federation of Malaya gained its Independence from British colonization, forming what we know of today as Malaysia. Hence, 31 August is a National Public Holiday to commemorate and celebrate the freedom and independence gained. This day is also known as Hari Merdeka in the Malay language and that is why the celebration of Independence Day is incomplete without the seven shouts of "Merdeka!", the gesture initiated by the First Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman back in 1957 at Dataran Merdeka.

The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. He led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British officials in London for independence, along with the first president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA), Tun Tan Cheng Lock, and the fifth President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Tun V.T. Sambanthan. Once it became increasingly clear that the communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, an agreement was reached on 8 February 1956, for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire. However, for a number of logistical and administrative reasons, it was decided that the official proclamation of independence would only be made the following year. Tunku arrived home from London with the good news that independence would finally come to Malaya.

Between the years 1955-57, the Tunku and his cabinet prepared the Malayan Constitution, discussed the administration of justice, cemented racial harmony in the country, and resolved to beat the Communists. Finally, Tunku Abdul Rahman led the nation when he shouted "Merdeka" seven times at the newly-built Merdeka Stadium on 31 August 1957.

References:

  1. BBC (31 August 1957). 1957: Malaysia celebrates independence. Retrieved from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/31/newsid_3534000/3534340.stm
  2. New Straits Times (30 July 2022). Various activities lined up in conjunction with National Day [updated]. Retrieved from: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/817767/various-activities-lined-conjunction-national-day-updated
  3. Wong, A. (1 July 2022). Malaysia Uses Wifi Symbol as 2022 National Logo. Retrieved from: https://soyacincau.com/2022/07/01/malaysia-uses-wifi-symbol-as-2022-national-day-logo/