National Day (Hari Merdeka-Independence Day): A Celebration of Malaysian Spirit

With the conclusion of the Thirty Years War in 1648, the European powers came together to sign the Treaty of Westphalia that established political boundaries in Europe. With the establishment of such boundaries, many countries, especially the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English, sought to extend their land and assert power over other entities as well. With the great era of exploration in the period that followed the Thirty Years War, troops from various European countries landed in modern day Asia, Africa and Australia in search of bountiful land that could be annexed to their own. The centuries that followed saw the colonial powers propagating their social and legal systems to their respective colonies and laying the groundwork for a truly global world today. The twentieth century saw many such colonies gaining formal and legal independence from their colonial rulers and these nations now enjoy a ‘National Day’ to commemorate gaining formal independence. National Day celebrations are always immensely interesting for foreigners and for those staying in Beach Resorts in Langkawi during their in Malaysia. Choosing to take part in Hari Merdeka, the Independence Day of Malaysia, is a worthwhile experience.

Malaysia received formal independence as the Federation of Malaya in 1957 after being colonised by the British for several decades. The celebration takes place on the 31st of August each year. The original celebration in 1957 was graced by the presence of the King and Queen of Thailand, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Crown Prince and Princess of Japan and other Heads of Government from South Africa, India, Burma and the United States of America. The annual celebrations include a parade at Merdeka Square, Malacca Town, Kuching, George Town and Putrajaya which can be witnessed by tourists residing in hotels such as The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.

The proceedings of the parade commence at eight in the morning, with the Arrival of the Sovereigns. This is followed by the Royal Inspection, the National Anthem and the raising of the national flag. To commemorate the true Malaysian spirit, a number of cultural performances are also included and therefore, is a wonderful event to visit in Malaysia for a tourist.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+