Malaysia’s Independence Day, also known as National Independence Day or ‘Hari Merdeka’ is observed yearly on August 31 and commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957.
It is defined in Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia as the official Independence Day when it gained its freedom from the British colonial administration.
This year all of Malaysia will celebrate its 65th National Day nationwide under the theme of “Keluarga Malaysia, Teguh Bersama” (Malaysian Family: Stronger Together). After a long hiatus, the main ceremony will return to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, the location where the founding fathers stood together hand on the chest when the jalur gemilang for the first time was raised on August 31, 1957.
For this special occasion, BusinessToday invited corporate Malaysia and fellow Malaysians to join us in celebrating this day by sharing a heartfelt message to all who are blessed to be cradled by this lovely nation of ours we call home.
BusinessToday wishes all Malaysians a Happy 65th Independence Day,
Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!
“Maybank Investment Bank is proud to support nation-building by connecting capital to companies for close to 50 years. As we move forward together, we are committed to helping achieve sustainable progress and equitable prosperity through Maybank’s mission of Humanising Financial Services.”
Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Investment Bank
“Malaysia is 65 today. We need to propel her to capitalize on her strengths whilst capturing opportunities. From global food production to powering the digital world to being a unique destination to visit being a melting pot for entrepreneurs. Let’s rebuild together.”
Girish M Ramachandran, Co-Founder, 27 Advisory & IRGA
“Our company is proud to celebrate Merdeka Day with our partners. Today inspires us to create things that matter to our employees, our clients, and our communities.”
Jonathan Toke, Vice President Haskell APAC
“The story of Merdeka not only represents freedom but also highlights the strength and resiliency of the Malaysian people. These same characteristics are what we need to celebrate this national day, especially for our people, who have continued to put in the effort and recognise the importance of withstanding the adversity ahead and bouncing back. This is what it means to be an Anak Malaysia.”
Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO, Berjaya Food Berhad
“In remembering Merdeka, we need to reflect on the struggles of our forefathers leading to the declaration of independence.
Collectively we were a single voice representing all races and ethnic groups in wanting to be responsible for our actions and destiny and being accountable for our judgments and decisions for the prosperity of future generations. We must remember that this collaboration must still exist in our society and be instilled in our minds toward nation-building.”
Shamsul Bahar, MGTC CEO
“On this Independence Day, let us remember and honour the people who have worked hard to build a better future for all of us. Each of us have our parts to play, and my commitment is to progressively build towards a more inclusive country. As we enter a new phase of progression through Covid, let us continue to show each other respect and patience, and contribute in shaping a resilient and successful nation that we are proud of.”
Professor Elizabeth Lee, CEO, Sunway Education Group
“May this National Day bring peace, health & success for each and every one of us. May our country continue to progress towards sustainable & resilient growth in the coming years! Happy MERDEKA Day to all Malaysians!”
Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, Joint Group CEO, Berjaya Corporation Berhad
“KDEB Waste Management wishes all Malaysians Happy 65th Independence Day. Together We will Keep Malaysia Clean and Green.
Hj Ramli Mohd Tahir, Managing Director & Board Member of KDEBWM
“Togetherness is not a phrase that is just used on Merdeka Day; it is a time when you cherish having Nasi Lemak in peace when you move together in the Lion Dance or create Kolam hand in hand. Just like a rubber band, we are stronger if we come together”
Nor Hizwan bin Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)
“We are proud to stand united with our fellow Malaysians in driving positive change that creates a brighter and more sustainable future for the younger generations. Let us all embrace the spirit of unity while Making Progress Happen for Everyone. Happy Independence Day to all Malaysians.”
Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer or RHB Banking Group
A Successful Business requires one simple ingredient- Passion
And when I look around our amazing country, and the Malaysians who have given us so much of themselves to make us great it is exactly this Passion that sets up apart from any other country on this earth. Selamat Hari Merdeka
Dato Joey Yap
WCT Malls wishes all fellow Malaysians Happy Independence Day and we believe we’re stronger together as we united as one!
Selena Chua WCT Malls CEO
