Today’s Doodle honours Malaysia’s National Day, Hari Merdeka. On this day in 1957, the Federation of Malaya, the country that would become Malaysia, proclaimed its independence from British colonial rule. To hear the national anthem and see officials hoist the Malayan flag, more than 20,000 people attended. The first Prime Minister yelled seven times the Malay word “Merdeka,” which means “free.”
The public holiday is on August 31st, but Merdeka celebrations last all month long and continue until Malaysia Day on September 16th.
Parade marchers gather at Merdeka Square in the morning and leave dressed in traditional attire and decorated cars. Patriotic songs like Tanggal 31 and Satu Malaysia are performed, while cultural acts showcase the diversity of the nation. Schoolchildren put on performances and compete in sports, singing, and photography. Office and government buildings, residences, and automobiles are all decorated with patriotic decorations and Malaysia’s flag, like the one flying in today’s Doodle.
Selamat Hari Merdeka, Malaysia!