DEFINITION OF "INDEPENDENCE OF DAY"

Hari Kemerdekaan is the Independence Day of Malaysia. It is a national holiday which is celebrated on 31 August every year. It is to commemorate the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule on 31 August 1957. In a wider context, it also celebrates the formation of Malaysia.

Each year, there will be a different theme for the Merdeka celebration. For 2016, the theme is “Sehati, Sejiwa” (One Heart, One Soul). This theme is to promote the spirit of togetherness and unity among Malaysians, regardless of race, religion and social backgrounds.  Malaysians are urged to stand together and continue to strive for excellence and unity in all aspects.

This year’s celebration will mark the 59th anniversary of Malaysian independence. During the Merdeka month, Malaysians show their patriotism towards the country by raising the Malaysian flag wherever possible - along the streets, houses, office premises and also vehicles.

Patriotism is important to produce citizens who love their country and certainly will be useful to the individual race, religion and their own country. Individuals who have a high sense of patriotism will also seek to develop themselves and their country in order to achieve progress and development of fast, on par with the other developed countries. Deems patriotism can not be fostered among adolescents, and they would have no feeling of love for the country and caused them to lose their identity. Therefore, all parties must work together and play their respective roles to the spirit of patriotism is fostered and nourished in the community.