46th Independence Celebration

(19 August 2003)

Click on covers above to enlarge.

The 30sen stamp depicts the Malaysian flag flying majestically on its massive flag pole at Merdeka Square. At the background is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a historical and prominent landmark of Kuala Lumpur and the nation.

The RM 1.00 stamp depicts the Malaysian flag, Jalur Gemilang (the official name for the Malaysian flag with effect from August 31 1997), consisting of 14 red and white stripes of equal width, a canton (union) of dark blue, a crescent and a star. The red and white stripes represent the equal status of the member states  in the Federation and the Federal government. The cantons of dark blue in the upper quarter of the flag represents the unity of the people of Malaysia. The crescent symbolizes the dominant and official religion Islam, and the star with its 14 points, symbolizes the unity of the 13 states of the Federation with the Federal government. The yellow of the crescent and the star is the royal color of the hereditary Malay Rulers.

The federation of Malaya was formed in 1948, replacing the Malayan Union. Upon Tunku's return from London with the Merdeka Delegation in 1956, he proceeded to Malacca where he made the historic announcement of the date of Independence at the Padang Banda Hilir. This announcement is significant as it marks the start of the preparations of the Independence Celebration.

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