Discover the story behind the formation of Malaysia and the diversity that makes us unique
On 16 September 1963, the Federation of Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak united to mark a moment in history to create the Malaysia we know today. Hari Malaysia, or Malaysia Day, celebrates this unification, symbolising the nation’s journey of togetherness, diversity, and shared identity. As we mark 61 years of this incredible journey, it is also a time to reflect on our shared values and aspirations as a nation.
The Formation of Malaysia: A Vision of Unity
The formation of Malaysia was more than just the merging of territories; it was the unification of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions into a single nation. Malaysia chose the path of integration rather than assimilation in our unification approach. This decision allowed our diversity to thrive, shaping Malaysia into a vibrant tapestry of communities living in harmony. “Another of His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours” (Surah Ar-Rum 30:22).
Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kota_Kinabalu_Malaysia_National-flag-01.jpg
Did you know?
- Malaysia was supposed to be formed on 31 August 1963 to coincide with Malaya’s Independence Day. However, it had to be postponed to 16th September 1963 to give the United Nations enough time to determine and complete a report on whether Sabahans and Sarawakians wanted to be part of Malaysia.
- Singapore was once part of Malaysia but chose to leave in 1965.
- Hari Malaysia became a nationwide public holiday in 2010, announced by the then Prime Minister, Najib Razak, at the Parliament on 19th October 2009.
“We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation.”
Tunku Abdul Rahman
Hari Malaysia serves as a reminder of the vision for a united nation, where every Malaysian, regardless of their background, has a place and a role to play in the nation’s progress. In recent years, we have seen the first Orang Asli member of Parliament, Ramli Mohd Nor, elected as Dewan Rakyat’s Deputy Speaker and the first indigenous Sarawakian, the late Senator Datuk Mutang Tagal, appointed as the President of Dewan Negara. It is this spirit of unity in diversity that continues to drive Malaysia forward. Diversity became our strength and never a weakness. The journey of nation-building has been filled with challenges, but our commitment to unity and mutual respect has always seen us through.
Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sabah_Malaysia_Welcoming-Contingent_Hari-Merdeka-2013-16.jpg
Protecting our community
As we celebrate 61 years of Malaysia, we honour the progress we have made as a nation. Today, as we face new challenges, from economic uncertainties and climate change to global pandemics, it is important that we continue to stand united. At Ouch!, we understand the importance of protecting the community and supporting one another. Our mission goes beyond providing takaful coverage. We are committed to protecting not just individuals but families, communities, and the values that bind us together as Malaysians.
Our takaful solutions are built on the principles of mutual assistance and collective well-being. Under the shariah concept of tabarru’, our Pusara Pro participants all play a part in protecting the community by donating a portion of their contribution to the Community Pool, which provides financial assistance to fellow participants. Our Kita Cover Challenge is an ongoing campaign aimed at encouraging a wider part of our community to be protected under takaful coverage via our Pusara Pro product, which can easily be obtained through our app from as low as RM4.13 a month. Ouch! is committed to providing affordable and accessible takaful coverage for all, offering protection and peace of mind to Malaysians from all walks of life. Ouch! is proud to play a part in protecting our nation.
Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka
In a world riddled with conflicts, the peace and independence we enjoy in Malaysia are precious. Let’s play our part to protect our communities, support one another, and build a future where everyone can prosper. Let’s continue to embrace the diversity that makes Malaysia unique. Selamat Hari Malaysia from all of us at Ouch!
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Disclaimer: The information in our blog articles and provided by our brand ambassadors/KOLs is for general insights only and not legally binding. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee the information’s completeness or reliability. For legal matters, consult official documents or contact an authorised Ouch! representative.