Wembley Academy’s September Newsletter

Why The Name Is Malaysia?

Have you ever wondered why our country is called Malaysia? Before Malaysia existed, our country was known as Malaya, or more officially, the Federation of Malaya. It became an independent country on 31 August 1957.

The name Malaysia came later. In 1963, a new federation was formed by joining the Federation of Malaya with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. The new country was officially called Malaysia on 16 September 1963, which we now celebrate as Malaysia Day.

I think this makes Malaysia special because its name represents the idea of different territories coming together to form one country. The Malaysia Agreement was signed on 9 July 1963, and Malaysia was officially declared on 16 September 1963. However, Singapore later left Malaysia and became an independent country on 9 August 1965. Sabah and Sarawak remained part of Malaysia.

To me, the story behind the name Malaysia is more than just a name. It reminds us that our country was shaped by history, different places and different communities. That is what makes Tanah Melayu and Malaysia unique.

Written by

Anson (Year 9)