Kuala Lumpur, 31 August 2022 (TDI): Malaysia celebrated its 65th Independence Day or Hari Merdeka today. The day was marked with festivities throughout the country.
Many countries and international organizations stepped forward in congratulating Malaysia on the anniversary of its Independence.
The National Head of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology in the Ministry of Health Malaysia, Rosaid Said also congratulated her nation. However, she urged the nation to work together for a healthy and stronger nation.
Wishing my fellow Malaysians a happy 65th Independence Day, Malaysia! Let’s take good care of our health and environment to continue building a strong nation.
🇲🇾 🇲🇾 🇲🇾 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/gLqZEIAsmR— Dr Rosaida Hj. Md. Said (@DrRosaida) August 31, 2022
Overview of History
The Independence Day of Malaysia commemorates the memory of 31st August 1957 when the Federation of Malaya got independence from British rule.
On August 30th, 1957, over 20,000 people gathered at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur to witness the handover of power from Britain.
Two minutes of darkness was observed just before the clock stoke midnight. At the moment the Flag of Malaya was raised and the new anthem Negaraku played alongside it.
Moreover, the government officials shouted “Merdeka!” seven times as a declaration of freedom. However, Malaysia was formed in 1963.
This happened when the former British colony of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, joined the Federation of Malaya. This event is marked by Malaysia Day.
UAE leaders send felicitations to Malaysia
President of UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of congratulations to King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah of Malaysia.
In the message, the President congratulated the monarch and the people of Malaysia on the celebration of their 65th Independence Day.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, also dispatched a similar message.
In the message, the Vice President congratulated the Malaysian King and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Bin Yaakob on their country’s Independence Day.
Felicitations by Saudi Arabia
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman has sent a cable of congratulations to the King of Malaysia. He congratulated the monarch and the people of Malaysia on the anniversary of the country’s Independence Day.
We congratulate the Kingdom of #Malaysia on its Independence Day 🇸🇦🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/qjCIwQbBML
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 31, 2022
Additionally, the Saudi monarch wished the Malaysian King good health and happiness. Moreover, he wished for the government and the people of Malaysia to continue making steady progress.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques @KingSalman and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulate the King of #Malaysia on Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/URDrVqyPIm
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 31, 2022
Deputy Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar message to the King of Malaysia on the occasion.
In his message, he congratulated the people of Malaysia and the monarch on the Independence Day anniversary of Malaysia. Also, he wished for the country’s progress and prosperity in the future.
Congratulations by the US
On behalf of the United States of America (USA), Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken congratulated Malaysia on its Independence Day anniversary.
In his message, he highlighted 65 years of friendship and cooperation between both countries based on shared values and deep economic, security, and people-to-people ties. Furthermore, he affirmed that the US looks forwards to strengthening ties with Malaysia.
The Secretary of State added that he looks forward to partnering and collaborating with Malaysia to achieve a more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Correspondingly, US military personnel also attended the parade at Dataran Merdeka to commemorate Malaysia’s national day.
U.S. military personnel attending Malaysia’s National Day celebration. Selamat Hari Merdeka, #Malaysia 🇲🇾! #Merdeka65 @DeptofDefense pic.twitter.com/e5X7fERfAX
— U.S. Embassy KL (@usembassykl) August 31, 2022
Felicitations by the UK
The United Kingdom (UK) also congratulated Malaysia on Independence Day. Moreover, Uk’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Charles Hay & Defence Advisor Antony Stockbridge also joined Malaysians in their celebration that took place at the Dataran Merdeka.
High Commissioner Charles Hay and Defence Advisor Captain Antony Stockbridge joined in the celebrations at Dataran #Merdeka this morning in conjunction with #Malaysia‘s 65th #Independence Day.
Selamat Hari Merdeka!
🇬🇧🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/uGyKYVpss4
— UK in Malaysia🇬🇧 (@UKinMalaysia) August 31, 2022
Additionally, the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce also congratulated the country on the day. The chamber affirmed to strengthen relations between both countries.
Let’s come together this year as “Keluarga Malaysia” to celebrate our 65th National Day. United, we are stronger.
Selamat Hari Merdeka from BMCC!#KeluargaMalaysiaTeguhBersama #KeluargaMalaysia #Merdeka #HariMerdeka #HariKebangsaan pic.twitter.com/Q8CTlxfVuu
— British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) (@BMCCMalaysia) August 31, 2022
Felicitaions by the UN
On the occasion, Karima El Korri, UN Resident Coordinator uploaded a video message to congratulate Malaysia. She expressed that on behalf of the United Nations she extends a heartfelt Selamat Hari Merdeka, a happy and joyous Independence Day to Malaysia.
Merdeka message from Karima El Korri, UN Resident Coordinator.
~ On this 65th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence, on behalf of the United Nations, I wish the people of Malaysia a heartfelt Selamat Hari Merdeka, a happy and joyous Independence Day.#merdeka #Malaysia pic.twitter.com/vmfNLfN1pM
— United Nations in Malaysia (@UNinMalaysia) August 30, 2022
In the message, she also highlighted Malaysia’s role in the UN and thanked the country for its services.
Felicitaions by Qatar
Fahad Mohammed Kafoud, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Malaysia congratulated the nation on its Independence Day.
The Ambassador highlighted the bilateral relations between Qatar and Malaysia based on common interests and mutual respect.
Remarks by H.E. Mr / Fahad Mohammed Kafoud Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Malaysia on its Independence Day
🇲🇾🇶🇦#Qatar_Malaysia#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/HdgpheW2Mv— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) August 31, 2022
Likewise, he affirmed strengthening these relations in the future. Consequently, the Ambassador invited the Malaysian people to attend the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosted by Qatar. The games will commence in mid-November.