Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!
On this day, 50 years ago, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia (Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj) declared the independence of Malaysia with cries of MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!
For the tourist, Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is a national day of Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule. In a wider context, it is to celebrate the formation of Malaysia. On August 31, 2007, Malaysia celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence.
A Quick history on the independence of Malaysia.
The Federation of Malaysia, comprising 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. 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. However, the Independence Day celebration is still held on August 31, the original independence date of Malaya. 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. But to the rest of the citizens of Malaysia. It is still a historical day to remember./p>
So once again, let us all join our hands and raise it high and shout MERDEKA MERDEKA
MERDEKA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALAYSIA!
Now, check this link out, an article from BBC about the Merdeka Celebration. Whoever that wrote it sure needs to work on their journalism skill.
I can still remember the celebration that happened in Malaysia several years ago.
I may not be a full-Malaysian, but for the place where I lived before, I’ll shout “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!”
Comment by Seizhin — September 1, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
nice history lesson =) i wonder how was the celebration during September 16, 1963 – hmm wonder did they shouted ‘merdeka’ =p
Comment by lasilasi — September 3, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
Thanks lasilasi,
I think… in my not so humble opinion… the reaction at Sabah and Sarawak would be… “Oh No…....” :p
Comment by Michael — September 3, 2007 @ 3:20 pm