Hari Merdeka, or Malaysian Independence Day, is a significant national holiday celebrated on August 31st each year. This day marks the anniversary of the Federation of Malaya’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957. As Malaysia prepares to commemorate Hari Merdeka 2024, the country reflects on its journey of nation-building, unity, and progress, while also looking forward to the future with hope and determination.
What is the History of Hari Merdeka?
Hari Merdeka, which means "Independence Day" in Malay, is a day of great pride and historical importance for Malaysia. The journey to independence was marked by decades of struggle, negotiations, and sacrifices made by Malaysian leaders and citizens.
The journey to Malaysia’s independence was marked by several pivotal moments:
- 1948: The Malayan Emergency begins, with the British colonial government confronting a communist insurgency.
- 1956: The Treaty of London is signed, paving the way for Malaya’s independence.
- August 31, 1957: Tunku Abdul Rahman, the nation’s first Prime Minister, proclaims independence for the Federation of Malaya.
- 1963: The Federation of Malaysia is established, bringing together Malaya, North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore (which later separated in 1965).
Hari Merdeka 2024: Theme
The theme for this year’s Hari Merdeka is “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka.” This theme reflects a deep and multifaceted vision for the nation, emphasising the ideals of a progressive, inclusive, and compassionate society, while also celebrating the spirit of independence that has shaped Malaysia's identity.
"Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka" encapsulates the aspiration of building a nation that is both modern and rooted in its rich cultural heritage. It encourages Malaysians to embrace their independence with a sense of responsibility and to contribute to the creation of a society that is not only prosperous but also ethical and united.
Formation of Malaysia
Malaysia's history is often traced back to the Sultanate of Malacca, which was established around 1400 AD. At its height, the Sultanate's influence extended over much of the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and parts of Sumatra.
Malacca became a prominent and powerful state due to its strategic location at the crossroads of East Asia and the Middle East, making it a key centre for the spice trade in Southeast Asia. Islam became the dominant religion in the region, largely because the ruling Sultan had converted to Islam, influencing his subjects to follow suit.
In 1511, Malacca was conquered by the Portuguese, marking the beginning of the colonial era in Malaya. This was followed by Dutch control in 1641 and then British rule in 1824, following the Anglo-Dutch Treaty.
British colonisation lasted the longest, and the British integrated the administration of Malaya, which had previously been governed by the Malay rulers with the assistance of state dignitaries. British interference led to widespread dissatisfaction among the local population.
Although there were uprisings against colonial rule, such as those led by figures like Dol Said, Tok Janggut, Datuk Bahaman, Rentap, Dato Maharajalela, and Rosli Dobi, these rebellions were ultimately unsuccessful due to their fragmented efforts.
In the 1920s and 1930s, education became more widespread in Malaya, both locally and through studies in the Middle East. This led to the rise of a new, educated class that began advocating for nationalism.
They spread their ideas through newspapers and magazines and formed organisations like Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM) and Kesatuan Melayu Singapura (KMS) to push for independence and the establishment of a local government. However, before these efforts could fully take shape, Malaya was invaded by Japan in late 1941, ushering in another period of colonial rule that lasted until 1945, when Japan surrendered after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
After the Japanese occupation, the Communist Party of Malaya (PKM) attempted to seize control of Malaya, launching violent attacks, including the murder of three European rubber plantation managers in Sungai Siput, Perak.
In response, Sir Edward Gent declared a state of emergency in June 1948. The PKM's efforts failed, and British rule was reestablished. The British Military Administration (BMA) governed Malaya between the end of World War II and the formation of the Malayan Union on April 1, 1946. However, the Malayan Union faced strong opposition from the Malay population due to its plans to abolish the royal institutions and Malay privileges.
The emergence of Tunku Abdul Rahman brought new hope to the nationalist movement. His efforts to form the Alliance Party, which united the three major ethnic groups—Malays, Chinese, and Indians—caught the attention of the British, leading them to consider granting self-governance to Malaya.
This culminated in the signing of the London Agreement on February 8, 1956, signalling that Malaya would achieve independence on August 31, 1957. Upon returning from London, Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaya's independence in Padang Bandar Hilir, Melaka, on February 20, 1956.
On May 27, 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman proposed the merger of five territories—Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei—to form a new nation. Although Brunei ultimately opted out, representatives from the British government, Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore signed an agreement on July 9, 1963, leading to the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.
Hari Merdeka 2024 is a time for all Malaysians to come together to celebrate their shared heritage and the journey that has brought them to where they are today. It is a day to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for independence and to recognize the progress that has been made since then.
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation