Public Speaking Topic for next week : August, 9-13

How I celebrate the Independence Day?

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Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is a national day of Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule, celebrated on August 31. In a wider context, it is to celebrate the formation of Malaysia.

This year 2010, Malaysia will celebrate it’s 53rd Independence Day ( Hari Kemerdekaan Malaysia ) on celebrated on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 with the theme 1 Malaysia Menjana Transformasi (1Malaysia Transforming the Nation) . The national independence celebration this year will begin from August 1 to September 16.

Merdeka Month celebrations would begin with the launch at the Stadium Utama Kangar, Perlis on August 1 and ending with the Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu on September 16.

A bit of history:

On February 8, 1956, agreement was reached for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire. However, for a number of logistical and administrative reasons, it was decided that the official proclamation of independence would only be made the next year, on August 31, 1957, at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur.

The Federation of Malaysia, comprising the States of Malaya, North Borneo (later renamed Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore was to be officially declared on the date August 31, 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence. However, it was postponed to September 16, 1963, mainly due to Indonesian and the Philippines’ opposition to the formation of Malaysia. Nevertheless, North Borneo and Singapore declared sovereignty on August 31, 1963.

The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was then announced on September 16, 1963 as Malaysia Day. The nationwide Independence Day celebration is still held on August 31, the original independence date of Malaya, while Malaysia Day is a public holiday only in East Malaysia. However, this has caused some minor discontent among East Malaysians in particular since it has been argued that celebrating the national day on August 31 is too Malaya-centric. It is decided that starting 2010, Malaysia Day on September 16 will be a nationwide public holiday in addition to Hari Merdeka on August 31.

refer ; http://sgholiday.com/2010/07/malaysia-independence-day-2010/

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Malaysia's National Day is one of the chief events in Kuala Lumpur. This day is celebrated as the national holiday and is characterized by parades and other public functions.

Malaysia's National Day is one of the popular festivals of Kuala Lumpur. It is celebrated as a national holiday on the 31st day of August. It is on this day that Malaysia was declared as an independent country. The people of Kuala Lumpur come together to celebrate this event. The Malaysian flag, known as Jalur Germilang, is hoisted in all the government buildings of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city.

Malaysia's National Day is characterized by public performances and parades. Parades begin from Merdeka Square with His Majesty as the presiding guest of the event. Many political leaders of the country also participate in the event, which is watched by a large number of spectators. Public performances, which are organized during this time, are held at Independence Square. The whole city of Kuala Lumpur is decorated with parti-colored lights and other decorative. Replica of Malaysian flag is also used to decorate the public squares and market places. On this occasion, many exhibitions and competitions are also staged in Kuala Lumpur.