About Me

I have done a lot of things in my life and have also worked in many different jobs to make a living and to experience life. This blog is just some of my musings, sometimes funny, sometimes inspirational, sometimes sad, sometimes angry, sometimes simple but all the time, it's just me.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Happy Birthday Malaysia

Today is Malaysia day, the day when Malaysia became into existence.

What some of you may say? Some may wonder that Merdeka Day on August 31 is our independence day.

This is true somewhat but you see 31 August 1957 is not independence day for Malaysia but for Federation of Malaya or Perseketuan Tanah Melayu.

See the excerpt that I have pulled out from Wikipedia:
Malaysia as a unified state did not exist until 1963. Previously, the United Kingdom had established influence in colonies in the territory from the late-18th century.

The western half of modern Malaysia was composed of several separate kingdoms. This group of colonies was known as British Malaya until its dissolution in 1946, when it was reorganized as the Malayan Union. Due to widespread opposition, it was reorganized again as the Federation of Malaya in 1948 and later gained independence on 31 August 1957.

Singapore, Sarawak, British North Borneo (now known as Sabah) and the Federation of Malaya joined to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963.

Tensions in the early years of the new union sparked an armed conflict with Indonesia, and the expulsion of Singapore on 9 August 1965.

So, you see folks, today is the real Malaysia Day, 16 September 1963 and Malaysia is now 46 years old.

That's our little history lesson for today ;)

Take care and be well.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

16 September 1963 is when 3 nations came together to form Malaysia.

It must be the day to celebrate.

Why...

It is an afirmation of the 3 nations people belief in equal rights, a fresh start and a common destiny as MALAYSIANS.

where as when we celebrate Merdeka day,. the colonialist laugh as they know we are still shackeled by our gratfullness to them for giving us "freedom"..

and best of all our mentality have not change.. we are still slaves to them.. FOR IF NOT.. we would have chosen another day.

Nil said...

seems like similar situation even in manay workplaces, Malaysia is still somewhat coloniased because we follow British law, British education system, our favorite brands are Dutch or British or American, our historical sites are Dutch or British when the more ancient Hindu sites are hidden and off a beaten path with no access to general public etc etc

Ser said...

Agreed.

As usual Indian heritage is vast, beautiful and mystic BUT they do not how to market (even in India)... so that is why it is hidden RIP !!!!!

Ser said...

I like Yazmi's comment and agree that we should be celebrating Sept. 16 1963 as our Independence day or Malaysia Day or whatever we wish to term as.

I remember in school (during my secondary term), I disagreed with my history teacher and sort of gave that person a hard time about why should Aug. 31st 1957 should be important and celebrated with all pomps etc. and the formation of Malaysia is dead quiet! I am not going to delebrate what happened then with my teacher....I was not impressed with her reply!
All I can say, is that our education system is crap (at least the government type schools). They just want to produce a 'Yes' man or 'Yes' prime minister.....no questions asked!