Merdeka Day vs Malaysia Day: Why Malaysians celebrate a 'second National Day'
KUALA LUMPUR — For those who are unfamiliar, Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day happening fairly near one another can be a bit confusing.
Two weeks after Malaysia's Independence Day (Merdeka) on 31 August, the Malaysian flag still flutters throughout the streets and on the top of cars as people prepare to celebrate yet again.
This time, the celebrations mark Malaysia Day, which is held on 16 September, and the festivities do bear similarities to the Merdeka Day that has just passed.
If you're asking why Malaysians celebrate a National Day-type holiday twice, we'll have to look back into the history of how Malaysia's birthday started.
The history of Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day
In 1957, Malayan leaders met with the British Colonial Office in London to negotiate the country's freedom.
This set the stage for the historic event on 31 August, 1957, when Tunku Abdul Rahman read the Proclamation of Independence at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
And so, Merdeka Day commemorates Malaya's 1957 declaration of independence from the British.
A few years later, on 16 September, 1963, Singapore, North Borneo (now called Sabah), and Sarawak joined the Malayan Federation to form the Malaysia we know today... almost.
Singapore resigned from the federation in 1965, two years after, on 9 August, which became the country's own National Day.
That said, the incorporation of East Malaysia is an event worthy of commemoration.
Hence, the country now celebrates not one but two "National Days".
The first celebrates the country's independence, and the other the national unity of its 13 states.
How do people celebrate Malaysia Day?
Malaysia Day officially became a public holiday in 2010 to promote the Malaysian spirit and remind Malaysians of the hard work their ancestors did to give them the freedom they enjoy today.
Many of the celebrations and events happening between August and September often celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia day interchangeably, but here are suggestions for celebrating Malaysia Day in 2022:
Celebrate Malaysia Day in Melaka
This small, charming city in the southern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia is hosting this year's Malaysia Day Celebration for the first time.
The celebration, which usually takes place in Sabah or Sarawak, will be held at the Proclamation of Independence Memorial in Melaka City at 8am, and 20,000 people are expected to participate in the activities and performances.
Visit Malaysia's national landmarks
If you want to skip the traffic to Melaka, you can opt to visit well-known historical sites around the country.
From massive fortresses to peaceful places of worship and stunning monuments, many landmarks show Malaysia's rich history.
Depending on where you stay, I would recommend visiting the National Museum and Sultan Abdul Samad buildings as well as the National Monument (Tugu Negara) in Kuala Lumpur, or visiting one of the many beautiful temples in Penang.
Eat delicious Malaysian food
Malaysians love their food.
And since Malaysia Day is about unity and the diverse heritage of Malaysia, what better way to celebrate than to try dishes from the main food cultures that have significantly impacted modern Malaysia?
There's a wide variety of cuisines to pick from, including Malay-inspired dishes like Rendang, Nasi Lemak, and satay, as well as Chinese dishes like Char Kway Teow and Hokkien mee, or Indian dishes like Biryani Rice and Tandoori Chicken.
Watch a classical Malaysian movie
There is something very nostalgic about watching films by the late P. Ramlee with friends and family. It's the perfect way to get into the spirits of the day.
And for those who aren't huge fans of black and white movies, you can check Mat Kilau, which streams this Malaysia Day on Netflix.
Whatever you decide to do, at the core of it, this day is a reminder of how beautifully all the cultures that make up this country come together.
While the places and food are exceptional, it is the people and amalgam of cultures and races that set this peaceful country apart.
Whether you are a local, a tourist or a resident, you will always feel welcome, and that to me is the epitome of harmony.
Huda Hekmat is an educator, content writer, and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. She is currently doing her masters in Educational Psychology. When she isn't teaching, writing, or trying to armbar her fellow gym mates, you can find her reading a thriller, watching a stand-up comedy, or on the hunt to find the best nasi lemak in KL.
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