Hari Kemerdekaan, or Independence Day, is celebrated annually in Malaysia on August 31st to commemorate the country's independence from British rule in 1957. It marks the formation of Malaysia and is celebrated throughout the country with parades, festivities, and displays of national pride. The holiday commemorates the efforts of early Malaysian leaders like Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj who negotiated with Britain for independence and proclaimed it on August 31st, 1957 after years of work to establish a new Malaysian constitution and defeat communist threats.

1. Hari Kemerdekaan is the Independence Day of Malaysia. It is a national holiday which is celebrated
on 31 August every year. It is to commemorate the independence of the Federation of Malaya from
British colonial rule on 31 August 1957. In a wider context, it also celebrates the formation of
Malaysia.
Although Sabah and Sarawak gained their independence on 31 August 1963, Hari Kemerdekaan is a
significant date throughout Malaysia. On this day, Malaysians from all backgrounds, race and religion
celebrate together in a harmonious way. Traditionally, a grand and colourful parade is held at the
Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, where people can attend and celebrate. Various government
agencies and private sectors join together to participate in the parade. They will march in front of
the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King), ministers, special guests and a sea of spectators. Similarly,
other parades are also held in different states.
Each year, there will be a different theme for the Merdeka celebration. For 2011, the theme will be
“1 Malaysia, Transformasi Berjaya, Rakyat Sejahtera” (1 Malaysia, Transformation Success, People
Peace). This theme is in conjunction with the concept of 1Malaysia, touted by the Prime Minister,
Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak. All Malaysians are urged to embrace the concept of transformation
which brings about a meaningful process of innovation that can benefit the people. It will also help
continue the process of producing a vibrant young generation.
This year’s celebration will mark the 54th anniversary of Malaysian independence. During the
Merdeka month, the Malaysians will also show their patriotism towards the country by raising the
Malaysian flag wherever possible - along the streets, houses, office premises and also vehicles.
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 fifth President of 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, 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.
The Federation of Malaysia, comprising the States of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore was to
be officially declared on 31 August 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence.
However, it was postponed to 16 September 1963. Tunku Abdul Rahman was declared "Bapa
Malaysia" or the “Father of Malaysia”. The national flag was raised for the first time in all 13 states
and two federal territories of the new nation on 16 September 1963. In Kota Kinabalu, then still

2. Jesselton, Tun Fuad Stephens read the Proclamation of Independence of Sabah through Malaysia. He
was to be Sabah’s first Chief Minister, and later he became Sabah’s third Yang di-Pertua Negri, or
Head of State. However on 9 August 1965, Singapore officially announced its separation from
Malaysia. Currently, Malaysia consists of 13 states (11 Peninsular states and two from East Malaysia)
and three Federal Territories.