Flag of Malaysia Symbolism Facts & Meaning: History & Trivia
I
Malaysia Flag History
The Malaysian national flag, the “Jalur Gemilang,” has undergone various alterations over its history. Before gaining independence on August 31, 1957, Peninsular Malaysia flew the “Flag of the Federation of Malaya,” which had a red field with a Union Jack in the canton and a 14-pointed star often referred to as the “Bintang Persekutuan.”
Following independence, the Malayan flag featured the Union Jack, the Bintang Persekutuan, and 11 alternating red and white stripes to represent the 11 states. The flag was modified on September 16, 1963, when Malaysia was formed through the merging of Sabah and Sarawak. The Union Jack and the Bintang Persekutuan were replaced with a crescent moon and 14-pointed star reflecting unity among the member nations, which is still the flag’s design today. This flag, which features 14 alternating red and white stripes and a blue canton with a star, represents the pride and unification of Malaysia.
II
Malaysia First vs Present-Day Flag
Before the nation achieved freedom in 1957, Malaysia’s initial flag had recognizable features. The Union Jack, a symbol of British colonial control, was prominently featured on this pre-independence flag in the canton, which is the top left corner of the flag. Bold red, which represents bravery and heroism, covered the background. The flag also included an 11-pointed star called the “Bintang Persekutuan” on the fly, on the right side of the flag. Each point of this star represents one of the 11 states that comprised the Federation of Malaya at the time.
Since 1963, numerous significant modifications have taken place to the Malaysian flag design that is being flown. The biggest alteration was the removal of the Union Jack from the flag, which signified the end of British colonial control and the beginning of Malaysia’s newfound independence. The “Bintang Persekutuan Malaysia” (Star of the Federation of Malaysia), crescent moon with a 14-pointed star, took its place and was prominently shown in the canton. This star, which includes Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and, previously, Singapore until its departure in 1965, symbolizes the cohesion of Malaysia’s constituent states. Furthermore, while the flag’s 11 alternating red and white horizontal stripes represented the original 11 states of Peninsular Malaysia, three additional stripes were added to symbolize the federal territories, giving the flag a total of 14 stripes. These changes to the flag design symbolize Malaysia’s historical march toward unity.
III
Designer of Malaysia Flag
A group of people from the various Malay states created the first flag of Malaysia, commonly referred to as the Malayan flag, in 1947. The flag’s 11 alternating red and white stripes represented the 11 states that made up the Federation of Malaya, which served as the forerunner to modern-day Malaysia. This flag was in use from 1948 until Malaysia was formed in 1963.
On the other hand, the present Malaysian flag, often known as the “Jalur Gemilang” or “Stripes of Glory,” emerged in 1963, just as Malaysia was being formed. Mohamed Hamzah, a 29-year-old Malaysian architect, was the one who designed the flag. It has fourteen horizontal red and white stripes that alternate, signifying Malaysia’s 13 states and federal regions. A blue rectangle with a yellow crescent moon and 14-pointed star known as the “Bintang Persekutuan” or “Federal Star” is located in the upper-left canton; the blue field stands for national unity, while the yellow star signifies the monarchy of Malaysia.
IV
Symbolic Meaning of Malaysia Flag Design
The Malaysian flag is full of meaning through its pattern, colors, and figures:
Design
- Stripes: The flag is made up of 14 horizontal red and white stripes that alternate. These stripes symbolize Malaysia’s 13 states and federal territories. The arrangement of the stripes represents unity and equality among the different parts.
- Canton: The canton includes a blue rectangle in the upper-left corner. The canton differentiates Malaysia’s flag from other flags using comparable designs, such as the flag of the United States.
Colors
- Red: The red backdrop of the canton and the red stripes signify both bravery and tenacity. The colors red and bravery are frequently linked.
- White: White is a symbol of truthfulness and clarity. It is known as a symbol expressing honesty and peace.
- Blue: The blue canton represents Malaysian unity. Blue has long been associated with unity and balance.
- Yellow: The golden tint of the 14-pointed star indicates monarchy, as it is connected with royalty and Malay kings.
Figures
- Crescent Moon: The yellow crescent moon represents official state religion of Malaysia which is Islam.
- 14-Pointed Star: The 14 points on the yellow “Bintang Persekutuan”, or “Federal Star,” which is located inside the blue canton, stand for the unification of Malaysia’s states and federal territory.
V
Malaysia Flag Symbolic Importance
The Malaysian flag has significant symbolic meaning for the nation. Its design represents both variety and unification among Malaysia’s multiethnic people. The yellow Federal Star within the blue canton depicts the legal monarchy and the federal government, while the blue canton itself symbolizes peace and harmony. Both inside Malaysia and in the worldwide arena, this flag serves as a compelling symbol of national pride, patriotism, and historical importance, encompassing the fundamental principles and identity of the country.
VI
Malaysia Flag Raising Ceremony
Flag-raising ceremonies play an important part in the identity of Malaysia, with significant events like Independence Day on August 31 and National Day on September 16 honoring independence and solidarity. Furthermore, various states around Malaysia have their own ceremonies on historical occasions, raising both the Malaysian flag and their own state flags to celebrate regional heritage and pride. Parades and cultural performances that highlight the nation’s rich variety and patriotism are frequently included in these festivities.
During national mourning and commemorations, the Malaysian flag is flown at half-mast. This happens on rare occasions like state funerals, tragic national events, memorial days like Remembrance Day, and to show worldwide unity during major world events. Authorities decide whether to lower the flag, which represents respect, meditation, and unity, on somber occasions.
VII
Malaysia Flag Rules and Etiquette
To honor the national flag of Malaysia, appropriate flag etiquette must be followed.
- Keep the flag in good condition while making sure it is designed correctly.
- Position the canton with the yellow Federal Star in the upper-left corner when displaying it, and elevate it in the morning and lower it at sunset, with adequate illumination if exhibited at night.
- Show respect by saluting and being silent during ceremonies. When flying the flag alongside other flags, place it in a prominent location.
- Do not use it for commercial gain or let it contact the earth.
- It may be flown at half-mast during times of sadness or state funerals.
- Respecting flag protocol promotes patriotism and pride in Malaysia.
VIII
Traditional Malaysia Flag Display Customs
Traditional practices and customs associated with the Malaysian flag include observing National Flag Day on September 16th, flag-raising ceremonies in schools, special protocols within the Malaysian Armed Forces, flag displays at government buildings, flag parades during celebrations, flag ceremonies at sporting events, community flag events, decorative displays during holidays, and respectful flag folding. These customs emphasize patriotism, unity, and respect for Malaysia’s history and culture.
IX
Malaysia Flag Trivia
An interesting historical tidbit is that the Malaysian flag’s design was the result of a committee effort, and the winning submission was actually sent in anonymously. During the competition to choose Malaysia’s new national flag, the winning design was submitted without the designer disclosing their identity. This anonymity shrouded the flag’s creator in mystery for an extended period. It wasn’t until 1997 that Mohamed Hamzah, the designer, was finally revealed, injecting an element of intrigue and historical discovery into the flag’s origin story.
X
Malaysia Flag in Legends and Mythology
A legend speaks of a young prince who spotted a white tiger with crimson stripes while hunting in the bush. The flag’s colors, red and white, are considered to symbolize the bravery and unity of the Malaysian people, while the 14 stripes reflect Malaysia’s 13 states and federal regions. The design of the flag has additional cultural importance because of this unique beginning story, which has not been often recognized outside of Malaysia.
