What is Malaysia Day?

Malaysia was “born” on the 16th of

September 1963.

On this day, the federation of Malaya,

North Borneo (known today as Sabah),
Sarawak and Singapore joined together to
form MALAYSIA.

Malaysia Day is a public holiday in

Malaysia to commemorate this historic
day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALAYSIA!

 A little bit of history…
On the 31st of August 1957, the federation of Malaya was granted independence
by the British empire. Back then, the federation of
Malaya consisted of 11 states. Only these 11 states were included
in the 1957 Proclamation of Independence:
Perak

Selangor Negeri Sembilan Pahang Johor Kedah

Kelantan Perlis Terengganu Penang Malacca

 A little bit of history…
On the 22nd of July 1963, Sarawak established a
self-government, thereby proclaiming its independence.

Later, on the 31st of August 1963, North Borneo (known

today as Sabah) established a self-government as well,
thereby proclaiming its independence.

However, some people believe that Sabah and

Sarawak were not truly independent until the formation of
Malaysia because the British was still in control of them then.
 A little bit of history…
On the 16th of September 1963, Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman
delivered the Proclamation of Malaysia declaring the merger of the
federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore. They
were now one country: MALAYSIA.

The proclamation ceremony was held at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala

Lumpur and was attended
by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,
the Malay Rulers, the Governor
of Penang, Malacca, Singapore,
Sarawak and Sabah.
 Did you know?
In 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia to become an independent
and sovereign state.

Malaysia Day was recognised as a public holiday in 2010 by the prime

minister at the time, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Because the declaration of independence on the

31st of August was for the federation of Malaya
(excluding Sabah and Sarawak), by recognizing
Malaysia Day as a nationwide public holiday,
Malaysia was finally including Sabah & Sarawak
in nationwide celebrations.
 Did you know?
Malaysia initially consisted of 13 states (after Singapore left).

In 1974, 1984 and 2001, the Malaysian government designated Kuala

Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya as federal territories respectively.

Now, Malaysia consists of 13 states and 3 federal territories.

 What is the difference
between Merdeka Day and
Malaysia Day?
Merdeka Day celebrates the day
the Federation of Malaya
achieved independence from the
British.

Malaysia Day celebrates the day

the Federation of Malaya, North
Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and
Singapore joined together to
form a new country called
Malaysia.