I refer to the letter Why Malaysia is 50 years old and not 44 by Uncle Yap.

He wrote: 'In 1976, the US celebrated its bicentenary and all the states celebrated with gusto. Hawaii did not protest that its independence date was Aug 21, 1959 and that it had only enjoyed independence for 17 and a half years. Oregon was not on record to say its actual independence date was Valentine's Day, 1859 and it had only enjoyed independence for a little over 117 years.

'Similarly, the Federation of Malaya was formed on Aug 31,1957 and three new states joined in 1963. To reflect the enlarged entity, there was a slight name change to Malaysia; but in essence (form and substance) it was three new states joining 11 other states which had earlier formed a federation. The number of members of parliament was increased to accommodate the new states. Three new points were added to the 11-point star and three new stripes added to the flag. The constitution was amended here and there but remained essentially the same.'

Malaysia cannot be compared with the United States of America. When Hawaii joined USA, the country (USA) was already in existence. USA did not change its name to 'New USA' hence, its independence year is still 1776.

Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, on the other hand did not merely 'join' Malaya but together with the 11 other states (which became independent on Aug 31, 1957) agreed to 'merge' to from the newly constituted nation of Malaysia declared on Sept 16, 1963.

It was not merely a name change. It was the name of a newly constituted nation. The constitution was not merely 'amended' but redrafted. It was a new constitution, although it might be essentially the same.

Sabah agreed to the merger on condition that 20 points were met. If Sabah only 'joined' an existing nation, it would have to comply with their conditions, not set new ones. So, Malaysia will only be 44 come this Aug 31.