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 2016, the theme is Sehati,
Sejiwa (One Heart, One Soul). This theme is to promote the spirit of togetherness and unity among
Malaysians, regardless of race, religion and social backgrounds. Malaysians are urged to stand together
and continue to strive for excellence and unity in all aspects.

This years celebration will mark the 59th anniversary of Malaysian independence. During
the Merdeka month, Malaysians show their patriotism towards the country by raising the Malaysian flag
wherever possible - along the streets, houses, office premises and also vehicles.
A Brief History of Malaya Independence
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 Formation of Malaysia

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 Jesselton, Tun Fuad Stephens read the
Proclamation of Independence of Sabah through Malaysia. He was to be Sabahs first Chief Minister, and
later he became Sabahs 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.
Source:
www.wikipedia.org
www.kinabaluweb.com/index.html