Merdeka, is it Aug 31 or Sept 16? The fact is neither. Why? Because it is not correct to say that Malaysia got its independence. Malaysia was formed from already independent states of Malaya (independent on Aug 31,1957) together with Sarawak and North Borneo (independent on Aug 31, 1963) as well as Singapore. North Borneo's name was later changed to Sabah and Singapore left the federation in 1965.

Therefore the date of Malaysia coming into being was Sept 16, 1963. It was on that day the country was legally constituted. So there was no pre-existing country called "Malaysia" although a similar name may have existed.

How then could 'Malaysia' become 'independent' on Aug 31, 1957 ? Independent from whom? It is irrelevant. It is a non issue. 'Malaysia' has 'Merdeka'. It only has a 'National Day' or Hari Kebangsaan on Sept 16. So what are we to do come 2006?

Here's a suggestion:

On Aug 31, 2006, let 'Malaya' celebrate its 49th independence anniversary, and on the same day, let Sabah and Sarawak celebrate their 43th independence anniversary. And on Sept 16, let the nation celebrate her 43th birthday. Let Aug 31 and Sept 16 both be national holidays. Let us celebrate with meaning and pride!