Today is Merdeka Day, a proud day for all Malaysians wherever they are in the world as we celebrate our country’s 67th year of independence.
Beyond the annual nationwide parades, the National Day celebration has always been synonymous with the raising of the Jalur Gemilang while the national anthem, “Negaraku”, is playing; a patriotic and proud moment for all Malaysians.
Accordingly, we find it fitting to share a few facts about Malaysia’s national anthem “Negaraku” which many may not know about, so read on to learn more!
There’s a specific law governing the national anthem in Malaysia
For illustration purposes
Previously, we shared the unique history behind Negaraku, but did you know that there’s a specific law prescribing what our country’s national anthem is and how it’s supposed to be played and sung?
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Malaysian lawyer Luqman Mazlan, a partner of Kuala Lumpur-based law firm ADIL Legal shared that the said law is the aptly-named National Anthem Act 1968 and it’s quite comprehensive.
In fact, the Act is pretty unique as it includes the composition of Negaraku in its Schedule, as seen below:
There are 3 official versions of Negaraku as prescribed by the National Anthem Act 1968
If you look at the composition closely, you’ll notice that there are 3 sections to Negaraku, namely A, B and C.
Well, this is because the National Anthem Act 1968 officially recognises 3 versions of Negaraku which are meant for different occasions.
For illustration purposes
Luqman elaborated that these versions are the full, abridged and short versions. For the full version, the full composition is played, while for the abridged version, it’s played from the beginning until B and continues from C to the end.
For the short version, only the composition from C to the end is played.
Section 3 of the Act prescribes when the full version of Negaraku should be played, which are:
- When a salute is given for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong while exercising the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or a Ruler nominated to exercise the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Exercise of Functions) Act 1957 [Act 373], or when the royal standard is broken to symbolise the presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
- During official parades or other official ceremonial functions;
- On all occasions when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is present in person (including broadcasts by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong);
- When the flag of Malaysia is brought on parades;
- When regimental colours are presented; and
- For hoisting of the colours in the Navy.
Moreover, the full version of Negaraku may also be played in schools for the purpose of teaching pupils to sing the national anthem and on any other occasions as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may by order prescribe.
For illustration purposes
As for the abridged version, Section 4 of the National Anthem Act 1968 prescribes that it should only be played as a salute on all official occasions for the Raja Permaisuri Agong and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak, as well as on any other occasion as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may by order prescribe.
Lastly, for the short version, Section 5 of the Act prescribes for it to be played on any official occasion when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or his representative is not present but one of the Rulers of the States is present.
Furthermore, on these occasions, the short version shall be played at the conclusion of the occasion immediately after the relevant State anthem has been played.
You can face up to 1-month in jail for not standing when Negaraku is playing
For illustration purpose only
Luqman added that the National Anthem Act 1968 also details the proper way for an individual to act when Negaraku is playing, which is to stand to attention as a mark of respect.
This is prescribed under Section 8 of the Act below:
Any individual who knowingly shows disrespect towards Negaraku in any public place may face action under Section 8(3) and if convicted, may face up to RM100 fine or up to 1 month imprisonment.
Section 8(4)(a) further elaborated that not standing to attention while Negaraku is playing without sufficient cause is sufficient to be considered showing disrespect to the national anthem.
Besides that, Luqman elaborated that the authorities are also given the power under Section 9 of the Act to arrest an individual who contravened Section 8 of the National Anthem Act without a warrant.
So, what do you guys think of these interesting facts about Negaraku? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and for all Malaysians out there, Happy 67th Merdeka Day! 🇲🇾
