7 things about Malaysia Day every Malaysian should know
Malaysia Day isn’t just another holiday — it’s literally how we became Malaysia.
NUR ADNIN MAHALIM
Every year on Sept 16, Malaysians celebrate Malaysia Day. A date that sometimes gets overshadowed by Merdeka Day on Aug 31.
But while Merdeka marked independence from British rule in 1957, Malaysia Day in 1963 signalled something else entirely: the birth of a new federation that brought Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore together with Malaya.
Here are seven things about Malaysia Day you might not know, but should.
1. Malaysia day is not the same as merdeka
Merdeka Day falls on Aug 31 1957 represents freedom from colonial rule, meanwhile, Malaysia Day happens on Sept 16 1963 in which represents the formation of a new country.
Together, these two dates tell the full story of independence and unity.
Merdeka= Freedom, Malaysia Day= Formation. Same flag, different milestones.
2. It was originally planned for Aug 31 1963
The federation was supposed to be declared on the sixth anniversary of Merdeka.
However, due to opposition from Indonesia and the Philippines, along with the need for a United Nations mission to confirm Sabah and Sarawak’s support, the date was moved to Sept 16, 1963.
Delayed things on the survey caused us to celebrate it on Sept 16 1963.
3. Singapore was part of Malaysia at first
On Sept 16 1963, Malaysia included Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.
But the partnership with Singapore was short-lived. After political and economic disagreements, Singapore left on Aug 9 1965 and became an independent nation.
Singapore was in, then out. Imagine if it stayed, Malaysia would be a different story.
4. Sabah and Sarawak had their own conditions
Sabah entered the federation with a 20-point agreement, while Sarawak had an 18-point agreement.
These documents protected their autonomy in areas like religion, language and immigration and continue to shape East Malaysia’s role in the federation today.
5. Malaysia day only became a nationwide holiday in 2010
Even though it has been celebrated since 1963, Malaysia Day only became an official nationwide public holiday in 2010.
The change was made to recognise East Malaysia’s contributions and to strengthen the sense of unity between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.
6. Without Malaysia Day, our map would be different
If Sabah and Sarawak had not joined in 1963, Malaysia would have been much smaller.
Meaning, no Mount Kinabalu. No Laksa Sarawak. No Sabah islands.
Malaysia Day quite literally shaped the borders of the country we know today.
7. It’s a celebration of unity
Malaysia Day is more than just a historical milestone.
It is a reminder that our federation was built on partnerships, compromises and shared goals.
Celebrating it each year reminds us of the importance of unity across cultures, regions and histories.
Malaysia Day on Sept 16 is not just about looking back at history, it’s about recognising the choices that made us who we are and the responsibility to carry that unity forward.
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