Independence Day (Malay: Hari Merdeka), also known as National Day (Hari Kebangsaan), is the independence day of the Federation of Malaya from the British Empire.[1][2] It commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957, and is defined in article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia.[3] The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances across the country.

The observation of 31 August as Malaysia's national day is the cause of some controversy, with calls to prioritize the celebration of Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia) on 16 September instead. Malaysia Day commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963,[4] when the four entities of North Borneo, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya federated to form Malaysia.[5] Some, especially people from East Malaysia, argue that it is illogical to celebrate 31 August 1957 as Malaysia's national day when Malaysia was only established in 1963.[6][7] Supporters of Hari Merdeka argue that "the Federation" as defined in article 160 of the Malaysian constitution is the "Federation of Malaya" that was established in 1957.