KUALA LUMPUR – Today, as we celebrate the 58th anniversary of Malaysia Day, how many of us truly know its significance and the history behind the formation of Malaysia?
Often confused with Merdeka Day, which falls on August 31 each year, Malaysia Day is celebrated annually on September 16 to commemorate the establishment of the federation in 1963.
The establishment of the Malaysian federation, which took place 58 years ago, marked the merging of Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak and Brunei.
The idea was mooted by Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
At that time, Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak decided to come together with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia, while Brunei decided against being part of the merger.
The declaration of Malaysia’s formation was postponed a few times due to administrative complications, but it was finally declared on September 16, 1963, resulting in the formation of a new nation.
However, due to political, financial and economic disagreement between Singapore’s authorities and the federal government, Singapore separated from the Federation two years later in 1965.
Watch the video below and attempt to answer the questions yourself to see how well you truly know Malaysia. – The Vibes, September 16, 2021
