Did you know that Malaysia’s iconic Jalur Gemilang was the creative work of an architect? The flag was designed by Mohamed Hamzah, an architect with the Public Works Department, in 1949. This design emerged from a public contest to create a flag for the Federation of Malaya. Out of 373 submissions, Mohamed Hamzah’s design was selected for its meaningful representation of the nation’s aspirations. The 14 red and white stripes symbolize the equal status of the 14 states in the federation, while the blue canton represents unity among the people. The crescent moon signifies Islam, the country’s official religion, and the 14-point star stands for the unity of the states.
The flag was first officially raised on 31 August 1957, marking the day of Malaya’s independence from British rule. However, it wasn’t until 16 September 1963, when Malaysia was formed, that the Jalur Gemilang took on its current significance, representing the entire nation, including Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore (which was part of Malaysia until 1965). The name “Jalur Gemilang,” meaning “Stripes of Glory,” was only officially given to the flag on 31 August 1997 by the fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Malaysia's independence.
Over the years, the Jalur Gemilang has come to symbolize not just the nation’s history and heritage, but also the ongoing journey of unity, progress, and independence. Today, it remains a powerful emblem of national pride, flown with honor across Malaysia and by Malaysians around the world.
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