Malaysia Gears Up to Celebrate its 56th Independence Day

When Malaysia achieved independence from Britain on 31 Aug, 1957, Malaysians then probably would have never imagined how far the agrarian state would develop in the future. While the nation is getting ready to celebrate the 56th independence anniversary this year, Malaysians can only be proud of the country’s many sterling achievements ever since.

Special edition stamps and gold and silver coins will be issued by the National Museum in conjunction with its 50th anniversary on Aug 31. Department of Museum Malaysia director-general Datuk Ibrahim Ismail said Pos Malaysia will print 1.5 million stamps while Bank Negara will produce 27,750 gold and silver coins to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, along with Malaysia’s 56th year of independence. The stamps will feature museums found nationwide while the coins will boast mural design of the National Museum. Other activities lined up to celebrate both events include the 50-Year Formation of Malaysia Exhibition (Aug 20 to Nov 17), A Night at the National Museum (Aug 30 to Sept 1), Fly The Jalur Gemilang (Aug 31), launch of the National Museum’s 50th year celebrations and launch of the stamps and coins.

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said that the national anthem, Negaraku, will be played in cinemas before the screening of films in conjunction with the 56th National Day. It will be implemented from Aug 28 to Sept 3 in more than 700 cinemas nationwide. He said two independence promotional video clips would also be screened along with the national anthem by the five cinema operators, namely Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) (in 238 cinemas), MBO Cinemas (185), TGV Cinemas (170), Lotus Five Star (100) and Cathay Cineplexes (30).

Ministry of Welfare, Women and Family Development announced new items for the state-level Women’s Day celebration on Sept 28 held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the state’s independence in Malaysia. Its minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said that several awards will be given out to women who made a difference in shaping the development of women in the state.