Hari Merdeka 2024: Theme and Formation of the Malaysia on its Independence Day


The establishment of Malaysia

Malaysia’s history can be traced back to the Malacca Sultanate, which was established around 1400 AD. At its peak, 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 because it was located at the crossroads of East Asia and the Middle East and was an important center for the Southeast Asian spice trade. Islam became the dominant religion in the region, mainly because the reigning Sultan converted to Islam and influenced his subjects to follow suit.

Malacca was conquered by the Portuguese in 1511, marking the beginning of the colonial era in Malaya. The Dutch took over in 1641, and the British took over in 1824 after the Anglo-Dutch Treaty.

The British had the longest colonial rule and took over the administration of Malaya, which had previously been ruled by Malay rulers assisted by government officials. British interference led to widespread dissatisfaction among the local people.

Although there were uprisings against colonial rule, such as those led by Dor Said, Tok Jankut, Datuk Bahaman, Rentap, Datuk Maharaja Lela and Rosli Tobi, these ultimately failed as their efforts were fragmented.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the spread of education in Malaya, both local and Middle Eastern, led to the rise of a new educated class that began to advocate nationalism.

They spread their ideas through newspapers and magazines, and formed organizations such as the Malay United Malays Union (KMM) and the Malay United Singapore (KMS) to promote independence and 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 Japan surrendered in 1945 after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

After the Japanese occupation of Malaya, the Malayan Communist Party (PKM) attempted to seize control of Malaya and launched violent attacks, including the murder of three European rubber plantation managers in Perak and Pengerang.

In response, Sir Edward Gent declared a state of emergency in June 1948. The PKM’s efforts failed and British rule was re-established. The British Military Administration (BMA) ruled Malaya from the end of World War II until the formation of the Federation of Malaya on April 1, 1946. However, the Federation of Malaya was strongly opposed by the Malay people as it planned to abolish royal institutions and Malay privileges.

The emergence of Tunku Abdul Rahman brought new hope to the nationalist movement. The Alliance Party he advocated, which united the three major ethnic groups of Malays, Chinese and Indians, attracted the attention of the British, who considered granting Malaya autonomy.

Finally, the two sides signed the London Agreement on February 8, 1956, marking the independence of Malaya on August 31, 1957. After returning from London, Tunku Abdul Rahman declared the independence of Malaya on February 20, 1956 at Padang Bandar Hilir, Malacca.

On 27 May 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman proposed the merger of the five territories of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei into a new country. Although Brunei eventually chose to withdraw, representatives of the British government, Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore signed an agreement on 9 July 1963, and Malaysia was established on 16 September 1963.

Merdeka Day 2024 is a day for all Malaysians to come together and celebrate their shared heritage and the journey they have taken to get to where they are today. It is a day to honour the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence and to acknowledge the progress that has been made since then.