What’s the difference between Independence Day and Malaysia Day
Every year, there are two public holidays in Malaysia that confuse me every year. I look it up every year because, every year, I forget what I learned the year before. In fact just two days ago, I told a friend the wrong information! That’s how confused I get There’s National Day, or Independence Day, in August. Two weeks later there’s Malaysia Day in September. Both are public holidays, so what’s the difference?
Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) celebrates the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957, celebrated on 31 August every year. This should not be confused with Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia) when Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963 together by Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore.
The events in 1963 were scheduled to happen on the 31st of Aug but were delayed because of opposition from Indonesia and the Philippines. Indonesia had a fear that there would be trouble in Borneo from Sarawak going into their province of Kalimantan.
Every year since 1970, the Malaysian government has chosen a theme for the Independence Day’s celebration. This year’s theme is Malaysia Where Love Grows (Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta). That is also my prayer for you, Malaysia. May you grow in love this year.
| Year | Theme |
|---|---|
| 1970 | Muhibah dan Perpaduan Love 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 | Bersatu Maju 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 and Progressively Working |
| 1988 | Bersatu Unity |
| 1989 | Bersatu Unity |
| 1990 | Berjaya Success |
| 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 |
| 2000–2006 | Keranamu Malaysia Because of you, Malaysia |
| 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, My Native Land |
| 2014 | Malaysia, Disini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta Malaysia, Where Love Grows |
credit: wikipedia.org
