(1957-2007) - 50 YEARS OF THINKING BIG

Malaysia today, 31 Aug 2007 celebrates Hari Merdeka, the 50th Independence Day.

Exactly 50 years ago, today in History

Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is a national day of Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule. The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Hari Merdeka. The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was then announced on September 16, 1963 as Malaysia Day. However, the Independence Day celebration is still held on August 31, the original independence date of Malaya.

In nearly every year, a brand new theme and logo were made for the celebration of the Independence Day of Malaysia. This year of 2007, the theme is Malaysiaku Gemilang(My Glorious Malaysia) after 7 years of having Keranamu: MALAYSIA(Because of you: MALAYSIA) as the theme.

Prime Ministers of Malaysia

Though there were some rough patches during the 50 years, on the whole the nation and its people progressed beyond what was imagined by its founding fathers. Successive leaders - Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad -- had steered the country to greater heights, all on the same power-sharing platform established on the run-up to independence. Under Tun Dr Mahathir, Malaysia became an exemplary developing nation and took centre stage in world affairs. It currently holds the Organisation of the Islamic Conference chair and actively advocates international concerns. It was also the former chair of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Our Beloved Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad

I do admire Tun Dr Mahathir for his intelligence as a greatest leader as we could ever have. He make the world realise the position of Malaysia and definitely I can say he transform Malaysia from nothing to something..

We love you Tun..

and I am proud being a Malaysian.