The constitution clearly mentions that 'Merdeka Day is Aug 31, 1957, while Sept 16, 1963 is 'Malaysia Day'.

All similar dates are anniversaries of the same i e either Merdeka Day or Malaysia Day anniversaries as the case maybe.

However as from 1970, the late Tunku, on the recommendation of the National Goodwill Council, agreed that the Merdeka Day anniversary should be called the National Day and celebrations thereof may be extended from Aug 31 to Sept 16 to allow for various groups and places to organise cross-ethnic and cross-geographic festivities aimed at instilling patriotism and nationalism among the peoples of Malaysia, hence dispensing with the term Merdeka or Malaysia Day anniversary.