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Today, a bright sunny Friday is another big day for Malaysia as it is today the celebration of Malaysia Day. It is the second celebration held in Malaysia and the first to be held at Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur. 16 September 1963 is the day where the Federation of Malaysia was formed. It is a Federation formed by a former British Colonies in South East Asia at that time consist of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Brunei Darussalam rejected the idea in last minute.
The road to Union
After World War II subsided, British resumed their control over their colonies in South East Asia. The entity at that time was Malaya, Singapore, Kingdom of Sarawak and North Borneo. Federation of Malaya was formed on 31st January 1948 replacing the ill-received Malayan Union. With its rich deposits of Tin and Rubber, it is among the Diamond on the British Throne. The rise of rubber price due to the broke out of Korean War has made Malaya exceptionally rich. It is clear that British does not granted an independence to Malaya.
Nevertheless, with the increasing nationalism spirit, our predecessor has make it clear it is time for the land to receive its independence. And Federation of Malaya achieved her independence of 31st August 1957. Singapore alongside Sarawak and North Borneo at that time is a separate British Crown Colonies. Singapore in 1959 was given a self-government, even though it is still a Crown Colony. No entities are in favour of union until 1961, where the merger of these territories were arise again. Prime Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abd Rahman in his speech on 27th May 1961 bring up the idea to unite Malaya, Singapore, Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak under one form of political and economy cooperation.
The idea is mainly to repress the arise of Communism in South East Asia especially with the growth of leftist in Singapore politics. The merger can also prevent racial imbalance, promote economy growth and fasten the independence of Singapore, Brunei, Sarawak and North Borneo. The Cobbold Commission were founded on 17th January 1962 to review the support of the people about the merger. And 70% of the population are in favour of the merger. It has been signed by the United Nation and 31st August 1963 is the original date of the foundation of Malaysia. Nevertheless, the plan need to be hold because the UN report only finished on 14th September 1963. Sarawak has already achieved its independence on 22nd July 1963. Thus, on 16th September 1963, the declaration ceremony was held at Merdeka Stadium, where Tunku Abd Rahman announced the formation of Malaysia in front of 30,000 spectators.
We are Malaysian
Probably some of us has got boring with the repetitive history lesson over and over again. Nevertheless, it is not about the history knowledge, but it is about our appreciation of what has been given to us by our predecessor. It is not an easy task. Our predecessor has manage to achieved independence of Malaya and Sarawak without to spill one drop of blood, but the formation of Malaysia almost triggered a bloody conflict where Indonesia and the Philippines was against the union. So, what we have now cannot be obtain for the second time. Losing our beloved nation meaning losing it forever. Thus, protected it and appreciate it with all our heart. Malaysia is a nation of multi-racial and multi-cultured society. Malaysian are diverse yet united, like our motto in the nation's Coat of Arm, Unity is Strength.
We are Malaysian, so be one.
Salam.
