Malaysia Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) — 31 August
Malaysia celebrates its Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) every year on 31 August, marking the events of 1957.
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Why 31 August?
Hari Merdeka, celebrated on 31 August, marks the day in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya gained independence from Britain. At the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, the country's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, raised his hand and led the crowd in seven cries of 'Merdeka!' — 'independence!' — as the Union Jack was lowered. The Jalur Gemilang, or 'Stripes of Glory,' with its fourteen red and white stripes and a crescent and star on a blue canton, was raised in its place; the stripes and the fourteen-pointed star represent the states and federal territories, the crescent Islam and the yellow the Malay rulers. In 1963 Malaya joined with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore to form Malaysia, an event marked separately as Malaysia Day on 16 September. Hari Merdeka remains a public holiday of parades, patriotic songs and nationwide celebration of the multi-ethnic nation's founding.
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Quick facts
- Date
- 31 August (every year)
- Official name
- Hari Merdeka (Independence Day)
- Commemorates
- 1957
- Public holiday
- Yes, in Malaysia