This coming 31 August 2008 marks the 51st anniversary of Malaysia’s national independence.

Known locally as Hari Kemerdekaan, it is the time of the year when Malaysians show their appreciation for yet another year of harmony among the people, and are reminded of their country’s struggle for independence.

This national event helps to educate the public, especially the younger generation, about the importance of racial tolerance, unity and cooperation so that the country can continue to enjoy prosperity, development and harmony.

This year's Merdeka celebration is themed “Unity is the Pillar of Success.” It kicked off with the Merdeka Unity Run on 18 August at Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square), Kuala Lumpur, and was organised by the Unity Committee of the Merdeka celebrations. The Hon. Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, flagged off the race, which was divided into three categories - 10km, 5km and the fun run.

Various religious activities are also held throughout the month at mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples, churches and Sikh gurdwaras nationwide. A special prayer ceremony will be held on 29 August 2008 at the National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur. His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong is scheduled to attend the event
 
The Eve of Merdeka Celebration (Persembahan Ambang Merdeka) on 30 August 2008 will see many local stars lighting up the stage at Dataran Merdeka, Bukit Bintang and KLCC to usher in another year of independence. The Hon. Prime Minister of Malaysia will lead the countdown at Dataran Merdeka while Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan are expected to grace the event at KLCC and Bukit Bintang respectively.
 
The annual celebrations will not be complete without the pomp and splendour of the traditional procession. On Independence Day itself, the national day parade will take place at Dataran Merdeka at 8am in the presence of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Malaysia. The VIPs gracing the occasion are the Hon. Prime Minister of Malaysia, Malaysian cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries.
 
The parade will showcase the country’s progress from 1957 until 2008 under the leadership of five Prime Ministers and 13 Yang di-Pertuan Agongs (Kings of Malaysia), highlighting Malaysia’s achievements in the span of 51 years of sovereignty.

A total of 42 contingents from various ministries and government departments, the Armed Forces, police, students and private companies, will be taking part in the march-past on 31 August.

Meanwhile, state level processions will be held simultaneously at all state capitals and districts nationwide.

The closing of Independence Month 2008 will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. In previous years, the closing ceremony of the Merdeka celebrations was held on 16 September, as it is the date that the federation of Malaysia was formed in 1963. However, since 16 September 2008 falls in the month of Ramadhan, the celebration this year has been scheduled for 18 October.

For more information about the Merdeka celebrations, please contact:

Events Management and Public Relations Division
Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage
Level 36 & 39
Menara TH Perdana,
Maju Junction
1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail
50694 Kuala Lumpur
Phone : +603-2612 7600
Fax : +603-2693 5114
Website : http://www.heritage.gov.my
: http://www.malaysiamerdeka.gov.my

Issued by: Advertising & Publicity Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 28 August 2008
For more information, please contact 03- 2615 8447 or
email: sitirahmah@tourism.gov.my
Log on website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my