Malaysia’s National Day
Happy National Day.
“1 Malaysia Transforming the Nation” to be 53rd National Day theme.
July 10, 2010, Saturday.
KUALA LUMPUR: ‘1Malaysia Transforming the Nation’ will be the theme for the 53rd national independence celebration this year which will begin from Aug 1 to Sept 16.
THEME AND LOGO: Rais showing the logo and theme for the coming 53rd National Day celebration. — Bernama photo
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim said the gist of the 1Malaysia Concept would be translated into various forms of programmes and activities during the celebration period.
“So we will celebrate the independence and Malaysia Day in the biggest Malaysian style and involving the various interests.
“From Aug 1 until Sept 16, we will involve the Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations and we will generate programmes based on 1Malaysia mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,” he said after chairing the Merdeka Day Celebration Committee meeting at the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, here yesterday.
He said the Merdeka Month celebrations would begin with the launch at the Stadium Utama Kangar, Perlis on Aug 1 and ending with the Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 16.
He said the various programmes and inputs throughout the celebration period would focus on the people’s prosperity under the 1Malaysia Concept and would not involve too many speeches by the leaders.
“For example, at the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 in Kota Kinabalu, only the Prime Minister would be speaking while the others would have their speeches recorded beforehand.
For the Independence Day celebration at Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil on Aug 31, about 20,000 people are expected to attend the event. — Bernama
Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=45904
History of Malaysia
Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia at one of the world’s major crossroads, Malaysia has always been pivotal to trade routes from Europe, the Orient, India and China. Its warm tropical climate and abundant natural blessings made it a congenial destination for immigrants as early as 5,000 years ago when the ancestors of the Orang Asli, the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, settle here, probably the pioneers of a general movement from China and Tibet. They were followed by the Malays, who brought with them skills in farming and the use of metals. Around the first century BC, strong trading links were established with China and India, and these had a major impact on the culture, language and social customs of the country. Evidence of a Hindu-Buddhist period in the history of Malaysia can today be found in the temple sites of the Bujang Valley and 
Merbok Estuary in Kedah in the north west of Peninsular Malaysia, near the Thai border. The spread of Islam, introduced by Arab and Indian traders, brought the Hindu-Buddhist era to an end by the 13th century. With the conversion of the Malay-Hindu rulers of the Malacca Sultanate (the Malay kingdom which ruled both side of the Straits of Malacca for over a hundred years),, Islam was established as the religion of the Malays, and had profound effect on Malay society.
The arrival of Europeans in Malaysia brought a dramatic change to the country. In 1511, the Portuguese captured Malaka and the rulers of the Melaka Sultanate fled south to Johor where they tried to establish a new kingdom. They were resisted not only by the Europeans but by the Acehnese, Minangkabau and the Bugis, resulting in the sovereign units of the present-day states of Peninsular Malaysia. The Portuguese were in turn defeated in 1641 by the Dutch, who colonized Melaka until the advent of the British in the Dutch exerted any profound influence on Malay society. The British acquired Melaka from the Dutch in 1824 in exchange for Bencoolen in Sumatra. From their new bases in Malaka, Penang and Singapore, collectively known as the Straits settlements, the British, through their influence and power, began the process of political intergration of the Malay states of Peninsular Malaysia.
After World War II and the Japanese occupation from 1941-45, the British created the Malayan Union 1946.This was abandoned in 1948 and the Federation of Malaya emerged in its place. The Federation gained its independence from Britain on 31 August 1957.In September 1963, Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah, and initially Singapore united to form Malaysia, a country whose potpourri of society and customs derives from its rich heritage from four of the world’s major cultures – Chinese, Indian, Islamic and Western.
Malaysia Independence:
The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka, or independence along with the first president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V.T. Sambanthan. Once it became increasingly clear that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, agreement was reached on February 8, 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 next year, on August 31, 1957, at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur.
The Formation of Malaysia:
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj announced the independence of Malaya from the British on August 31, 1957 at Stadium Merdeka.
The Federation of Malaysia, comprising the States of Malaya, North Borneo (later renamed Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore was to be officially declared on the date August 31, 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence. However, it was postponed to September 16, 1963, mainly due to Indonesian and the Philippines’ opposition to the formation of Malaysia. Nevertheless, North Borneo and Singapore declared sovereignty on August 31, 1963. Indonesian opposition later escalated to a military conflict. Indonesia considered Malaysia as a new form of colonization on the provinces of Sarawak and Sabah in the island of Borneo (bordering Kalimantan, Indonesia), which they laid claim on. To assure Indonesia that Malaysia was not a form of neo-colonialism, a referendum, organized by the United Nations, and the Cobbold Commission, led by Lord Cobbold, were formed to determine whether the people of Sabah and Sarawak wished to join Malaysia. Their eventual findings which indicated substantial support for Malaysia among the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, cleared the way for the final proclamation of Malaysia.
The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was then announced on September 16, 1963 as Malaysia Day. The Independence Day celebration is still held on August 31, the original independence date of Malaya. However, this has caused some minor discontent among East Malaysians in particular since it has been argued that celebrating the national day on August 31 is too Malaya-centric.
Government and politics
Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy. The federal head of state of Malaysia is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commonly referred to as the King of Malaysia. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected to a five-year term among the nine hereditary Sultans of the Malay states; the other four states, which have titular Governors, do not participate in the selection.
The system of government in Malaysia is closely modeled on that of Westminster parliamentary system, a legacy of British colonial rule. Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has been governed by a multi-party coalition known as the Barisan Nasional (formerly known as the Alliance).
Legislative power is divided between federal and state legislatures. The bicameral parliament consists of the lower house, the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (literally the “Chamber of the People”) and the upper house, the Senate or Dewan Negara (literally the “Chamber of the Nation”). The 222-member House of Representatives are elected from single-member constituencies that are drawn based on population for a maximum term of five years. All 70 Senators sit for three-year terms; 26 are elected by the 13 state assemblies, two representing the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur, one each from federal territories of Labuan and Putrajaya, and 40 are appointed by the king. Besides the Parliament at the federal level, each state has a unicameral state legislative chamber (Malay: Dewan Undangan Negeri) whose members are elected from single-member constituencies. Parliamentary elections are held at least once every five years, with the last general election being in March 2008. Registered voters of age 21 and above may vote for the members of the House of Representatives and in most of the states, the state legislative chamber as well. Voting is not compulsory.
Executive power is vested in the cabinet led by the prime minister; the Malaysian constitution stipulates that the prime minister must be a member of the lower house of parliament who, in the opinion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commands a majority in parliament. The cabinet is chosen from among members of both houses of Parliament and is responsible to that body.
State governments are led by Chief Ministers (Menteri Besar in Malay states or Ketua Menteri in states without hereditary rulers), who is a state assembly member from the majority party in the Dewan Undangan Negeri. In each of the states with a hereditary ruler, the Chief Minister is required to be a Malay-Muslim, although this rule is subject to the rulers’ discretions.
Malaysia’s National Day:
Malaysia’s National Day is one of the chief events in Kuala Lumpur. This day is celebrated as the national holiday and is characterized by parades and other public functions.
Malaysia’s National Day is one of the popular festivals of Kuala Lumpur. It is celebrated as a national holiday on the 31st day of August. It is on this day that Malaysia was declared as an independent country. The people of Kuala Lumpur come together to celebrate this event. The Malaysian flag, known as Jalur Germilang, is hoisted in all the government buildings of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s largest city.
Malaysia’s National Day is characterized by public performances and parades. Parades begin from Merdeka Square with His Majesty as the presiding guest of the event. Many political leaders of the country also participate in the event, which is watched by a large number of spectators. Public performances, which are organized during this time, are held at Independence Square. The whole city of Kuala Lumpur is decorated with parti-colored lights and other decorative. Replica of Malaysian flag is also used to decorate the public squares and market places. On this occasion, many exhibitions and competitions are also staged in Kuala Lumpur.
Some National Symbols of Malaysia:
The following are the national symbols of Malaysia:
The Malaysian Flag:
Also named “Jalur Gemilang” with effect from August 31 1997 , it consists of 14 red and white stripes of equal width, a union of carton of dark blue, a crescent and a star. One of Malaysian national symbol, Islam is symbolized by the crescent and the star with its 14 points symbolizes the unity of the 13 states of the Federation with the Federal government.
National Anthem:
Adopted on September 16, 1963 and selected by a special committee headed by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister , the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj , the national anthem is an important national symbol of Malaysia.
National Emblem (Coat of Arms):
The 14-pointed star on the emblem represents the equal status of the 13 Federation members and the Federal government and together with the crescent it’s the traditional symbol of Islam. The five dagger-like Keris represent the former Un-federated Malay States while the four former Federated Malay States are represented by the four centre panels. The shield is guarded by two tigers on each side and a banner at the bottom reads “Unity is Strength” (Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu).
National Animal:
The tiger has suitably been chosen as the national symbol of Malaysia and included in the national emblem. Known as the Lord of the Jungle, in contrast to the lion’s position as the King of Beasts, tigers are not uncommon in the Malaysian jungle.
National Flower:
The Hibiscus , locally known the Bunga Raya is one of the Malaysian national symbols. Though the origin of the flower is not known it undoubtedly came via trade from China, Japan and the Pacific islands . Said to have many uses it’s even today widely used for medicinal purpose.
The National Mosque:
Designed and supervised by the Federal Public Works Department the building occupies an area of 2090 sq m . The mosque includes a hall, a mausoleum, a library, offices, an open courtyard and a minaret and is a Malaysian national symbol.
The National Monument:
This Malaysian symbol has been dedicated to those who have died in the cause of peace and freedom for the country. Standing on a commanding site at the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur , the whole area has been reserved for the national monument. The monument has five principal features; the National Monument itself, a long reflecting pool with fountain, a crescent-shaped pavilion, the cenotaph and the ancillary gardens.
The National Language:
“Bahasa Melayu”, the national language of Malaysia was established under Article 152 of the Constitution. Used for official purposes includes the federal and state governments, and as defined by the constitutional amendment of 1971 by all authorities and statutory bodies.
The National Car: Though a somewhat unusual symbol, the Proton Saga however has significance for Malaysians which goes beyond the mere production of a passenger car. This Malaysian national symbol symbolizes the determination of the nation as a producer of primary commodities and to emerge as a member of the community of industrialized nations. This project became a reality in September 1985 after its announcement in 1982.
Malaysia Day honour for Sabah.
Kota Kinabalu; Tuesday, 06 June 2010; It was the venue where Malaysia was proclaimed about 47 years ago and come Sept. 16, Padang Merdeka here will host the first Malaysia Day celebrations.
With the theme Menjana Transformasi (Generating Transformation), the State and Federal governments will jointly hold the momentous and history-making event in grand fashion.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had declared that starting this year, Sept 16 – the day Malaysia was formed in 1963 – would be a public holiday, different to that of Malaysia’s Independence Day celebrated every year on Aug. 31.
Before this, Malaysia Day was celebrated on Sept. 16 by Sabah and Sarawak, but as the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun saw the selection of Padang Merdeka befitting, given the role it played in the country’s formation.
Masidi pointed out that Malaysia Day meant more than just a mere celebration, that it is a manifestation of the Federal Government’s commitment towards the spirit of Malaysia and, most importantly, Sabah and Sarawak’s participation in the federation being truly recognised nationally.
“There is no one given more or lesser attention compared to others if there are then this is the time to remind people, who make decisions, that Sabah and Sarawak expect to be treated equally as any other people.”
And the celebration, which Najib is expected to open, would be more than just a carnival-like event, Masidi said, stressing that it would be filled with information and everything to go with to remind and educate the people especially the young and uninformed on the formation of Malaysia.
“Although the federation of Malaysia has been since 1963 but sometimes you get perplexing cases where people don’t understand Malaysia’s formation.
“Hopefully friends from the peninsula will get to know more about Sabah and Sabahans about the peninsula,” he said, adding the theme was picked to help realise the country’s Government Transformation Plan (GTP).
“The State Government will do everything to make it grand but not wasteful,” he said, adding the only challenge he saw was to get people to come since Sept. 16 this year would the seventh day of Hari Raya Puasa.
Towards this end, Masidi urged Sabahans to come in full force.
“We always hear of Malaysia Day not being given importance so this is the time to show the world this is the moment we’ve been waiting for.
“It is time to show the country we are happy that the Federal Government had finally recognised and declared Sept. 16 as a public holiday, which I think is high time and long overdue,” he said, hoping the programmes would start somewhere on Aug. 15 and stretch to Sept. 16.
Source:
http://www.2malaysia.com/history.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Merdeka
http://www.mapsofworld.com/cities/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/malaysias-national-day.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Malaysia
http://www.123independenceday.com/malaysia/national-symbols.html
